A federal judge has ruled that the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump must remain in custody.

According to Fox News, Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe granted the government's request to detain Ryan Routh pending the resolution of charges during a court hearing in Florida on September 23.

Routh, who appeared in court wearing a blue prison jumpsuit and shackles, is facing charges related to an alleged assassination attempt against Trump earlier this month.

The Justice Department had asked the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida to keep Routh in pretrial detention. Judge McCabe stated that federal prosecutors had met their burden and that the weight of the evidence against Routh was strong.

Federal Charges And Potential Indictment

Routh is currently charged with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. However, federal prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek more serious charges.

The government plans to ask a grand jury to indict Routh on the charge of attempted assassination of Trump, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. This development suggests that the case against Routh may become significantly more severe in the coming days.

Prosecutors also revealed the existence of an audio recording from a recent jailhouse phone call between Routh and a female friend. During this conversation, Routh reportedly apologized, while his friend expressed that she was still processing the events.

Details Of The Alleged Assassination Attempt

The court hearing provided new information about the circumstances surrounding the alleged assassination attempt against former President Trump.

Prosecutors described Routh's position near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach as "nothing short of a sniper's nest." They stated that Routh had camped out for approximately 12 hours, armed with an SKS-style rifle and bags containing bulletproof plates.

Judge McCabe noted that it appeared Routh had been stalking Trump for 30 days prior to the incident. The suspect was found with a passport and a phone containing a search history related to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.

State And Federal Jurisdictional Considerations

The case has raised questions about jurisdiction between state and federal authorities, with both expressing interest in prosecuting Routh.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated in a press conference that Florida would pursue additional charges against Routh, asserting that his offense should merit life in prison.

Meanwhile, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, requesting that they refrain from bringing a specific charge that would impede the state's investigation.

Former President Trump has criticized the federal government's handling of the case, expressing a preference for Florida to take the lead. In a statement, Trump said:

If the DOJ and FBI cannot do their job honestly and without bias, and hold the aspiring assassin responsible to the full extent of the Law, Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida have already agreed to take the lead on the investigation and prosecution.

Previous Criminal History And Evidence

The court proceedings revealed information about Routh's criminal history and evidence related to the current case.

Prosecutors mentioned Routh's 2002 conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction, describing it as a "binary explosive device" with a fuse. They also referenced a chilling letter allegedly written by Routh, which was discovered by a witness who had received a box from him months before the assassination attempt.

The letter, addressed "Dear World," discussed the assassination attempt and offered a substantial sum to anyone who could "finish the job" if Routh failed. This evidence and Routh's extensive arrest record contributed to the judge's decision to keep him in custody.

Conclusion

Ryan Routh, the suspect in an alleged assassination attempt against former President Trump, has been ordered to remain in custody by a federal judge. Prosecutors plan to seek more serious charges, including attempted assassination. The case has sparked discussions about state and federal jurisdiction, with Florida officials and Trump expressing concerns about the federal handling of the matter.