Ron DeSantis fighting back in this major way against Trump’s would-be assassin

ron desantis

DeSantis and Donald Trump were at odds during the Republican primary. But now the Florida Governor is doing everything he can to support the former President.

And Ron DeSantis is fighting back in this major way against Trump’s would-be assassin.

In a stunning announcement late Sunday evening, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that the state would be conducting its own investigation into what authorities are calling an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump earlier in the day.

The incident, which unfolded at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, involved a suspect identified as Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old Democrat donor with a criminal history.

According to reports, Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents hiding in shrubbery only a few hundred yards away from Trump, armed with an AK-47-style rifle.

Federal law enforcement engaged him, prompting Routh to flee the scene in his vehicle. Fortunately, a witness captured a photo of his car and its license plate, enabling police to quickly locate and arrest him.

In a statement from his official government account, DeSantis emphasized the need for a thorough investigation:

“The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club,” the governor said. “The people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee.”

Trump, who is currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, expressed gratitude to those who ensured his safety. Late Sunday, he issued a statement acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement and Secret Service.

“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” Trump posted on social media. “Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE.”

Trump went on to praise the performance of law enforcement during the ordeal, stating, “THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”

Routh’s background, now under scrutiny, paints a concerning picture. Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that between 2019 and 2020, while residing in Hawaii, Routh donated exclusively to Democrat candidates through the fundraising platform ActBlue. His contributions went to presidential hopefuls Beto O’Rourke, Andrew Yang, Tom Steyer, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elizabeth Warren.

The suspect also has a lengthy criminal record, with North Carolina outlets such as FOX8 WGHP reporting that his history with law enforcement dates back to 2002. In one notable incident, Routh barricaded himself inside a business in Greensboro, armed with a gun.

Further investigations revealed that in 2002, he was convicted for possession of a weapon of mass destruction – specifically, a fully automatic machine gun. This conviction would have likely prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.

NBC News highlighted additional details from Routh’s criminal history, which includes convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of stolen property, and hit-and-run. His run-ins with the law also involved lesser charges such as resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license, with penalties ranging from suspended sentences to probation.

As Florida moves forward with its investigation, questions remain about how Routh, with his troubling past, was able to get so close to the former president. With both state and federal authorities working on the case, further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

For now, DeSantis’ decision to launch an independent probe emphasizes the gravity of the incident, as concerns grow over the security of Donald Trump in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.

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