Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of pointing a rifle at former US President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course on September 15, left a note months ago stating that he intended to kill him, US prosecutors said on September 23.
The handwritten letter addressed to "the world" also offered a reward for Mr. Trump's life.
"This is an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I have failed everyone. I have tried and given everything I could. Now everyone has to finish this, and I will give $150,000 to anyone who can finish the job," the note read.
Authorities found in the suspect's car a list of dates and locations of Mr Trump's upcoming appearances. Photo: AFP
The letter appeared to be written in anticipation of Routh’s failed attempt to assassinate Mr Trump. Prosecutors said the letter was found in a box that also contained ammunition, a metal pipe and four telephones.
The box had been left several months earlier at the home of an unnamed witness who contacted authorities after Routh’s arrest on September 15.
Routh also allegedly kept a list in his car with dates and locations of Trump's upcoming appearances, along with a notebook with comments about Russia, China and Ukraine, according to the US Justice Department.
When searching the suspect's vehicle, authorities also found a phone displaying directions for traveling from Palm Beach to Mexico.
The device was reportedly connected to towers near the Trump International Golf Club, where the incident occurred, and near the Mar-a-Lago estate, where Mr. Trump lives.
The new charges are intended to prove prosecutors' claims that the suspect wanted to kill Mr. Trump.
US authorities have charged Routh with two weapons-related crimes after he allegedly pointed a rifle at Mr Trump while the former president was golfing in West Palm Beach. More charges are possible.
According to the criminal complaint, a Secret Service agent escorting the Republican candidate saw the weapon and fired in its direction, prompting the suspect to flee. Routh was later arrested on a Florida highway.
According to the complaint, they found a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope, a digital camera and a plastic bag of food at the scene.
Additionally, cell phone data suggests Routh may have waited in the area for nearly 12 hours. The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt on Mr. Trump ahead of the November 5 presidential election.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, lived in North Carolina most of his life before moving to Kaaawa, Hawaii in 2018. He and his son run a warehouse construction company.
He has previous convictions for possession of a firearm with an erased serial number and possession of stolen property. On social media, he has repeatedly defended Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Ngoc Anh (according to AP, EFE, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/buc-thu-gui-the-gioi-cua-nghi-pham-am-sat-ong-trump-viet-gi-post313645.html
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