Florida has taken legal action against Merrick Garland, the U.S. Attorney General, claiming that the Department of Justice is preventing the state from probing into a second attempt on former President Trump’s life.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order to instruct Florida agencies to press charges against Ryan Routh, who federal authorities charged with five counts after allegedly planning to assassinate Trump at his golf club.
The lawsuit filed by Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody alleges that FBI and DOJ officials quickly moved to obstruct the state’s investigation process.
According to the lawsuit, federal representatives indicated that Florida is barred from conducting its own investigation, questioning witnesses, and can only partake in the federal probe.
Documents from the court reveal that federal authorities referenced a statute that allows them to “suspend the exercise of jurisdiction by a State” in cases involving attempted assassinations of major party candidates.
The lawsuit argues that this statute could be interpreted more narrowly than the DOJ claims, potentially allowing Florida to proceed with its investigation.
It also asserts that this federal intervention infringes on the 10th Amendment, which reserves certain powers to the states.
Florida’s lawsuit suggests that it may pursue state charges against Routh, which could include attempted murder, evading arrest, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“Additionally, the State may pursue charges against Mr. Routh stemming from injuries caused by his flight from law enforcement after the assassination attempt,” the lawsuit reads.
Routh was apprehended shortly after a Secret Service agent noticed him loitering near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course with a weapon while the former President was playing.
Before he could fire, Routh fled, but was eventually stopped by law enforcement on a highway and taken into custody.
