The state of Florida is launching its own investigation into what officials say was an “apparent assassination attempt” of former President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach. The governor signed an executive order Tuesday assigning the case to Florida’s statewide prosecutor.
Governor Ron DeSantis says he believes the state is in a better position to hold the suspect accountable to the fullest extent of the law. He says that’s because Florida can pursue attempted murder charges while he says the federal government can’t.
“If we’re not going to go to the fullest extent of the law you’re lowering the threshold,” DeSantis says. “Someone in the future may try to do something like this.”
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, is in custody and currently faces federal gun-related charges. Officials have said they anticipate more charges to come.
But DeSantis says the charges aren’t his only concern. He also worries the current federal investigations against Trump could taint this investigation.
“In my judgement it’s not in the best interest of our state or our nation to have the same federal agencies that are seeking to prosecute Donald Trump, leading this investigation—especially when the most serious straight forward offense constitutes a violation of state law, but not federal law,” DeSantis says.
DeSantis says he believes Florida’s efforts will help ensure the public gets answers
