Governor DeSantis slams federal inaction on the investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, launching a state probe for transparency.
At a Glance
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is concerned about the federal investigation into a suspected second assassination attempt on Donald Trump
- Secret Service agents fired at a suspect near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- DeSantis claims federal officials are not cooperating with Florida’s investigation.
- The investigation will be led by the Statewide Prosecutor under the supervision of Attorney General Ashley Moody.
- DeSantis critiques federal investigators’ efficacy and transparency.
Governor’s Criticism of Federal Handling
Governor Ron DeSantis has openly criticized the federal investigation into an alleged second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. DeSantis expressed his concerns during an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, highlighting that federal agencies have disregarded collaboration with state officials in this sensitive probe. The governor’s assertions include accusations of multiple violations of Florida state law, underscoring the necessity for a state-level investigation to maintain public transparency and confidence.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was fired upon by Secret Service agents near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This incident follows a previous assassination attempt where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. Both the FBI and Secret Service are involved in investigating the latest incident. DeSantis criticized the lack of federal cooperation, stating, “No, they’re not being cooperative. Yes, I am concerned. For example, we were rebuffed, our investigators were rebuffed just going to the fence line outside of Trump International Golf Club.”
The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club.
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…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 16, 2024
Florida’s Stand for Transparency and Accountability
To address these concerns, DeSantis announced an executive order authorizing a state-led investigation into the assassination attempt. This move cited the federal government’s previous inability to provide clear information from an earlier assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. “Justice means holding the perpetrator accountable and ensuring we get the unvarnished truth,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency for public faith in the justice system.
DeSantis affirmed that the state’s probe would be made public and conducted by the Statewide Prosecutor under the supervision of Attorney General Ashley Moody. He also argued that prosecuting Routh at the state level could result in a stronger case and possibly a life sentence. Concurrently, Routh faces federal gun charges, with the potential for additional federal charges.
Federal-State Investigation Dynamics
Governor DeSantis’s announcement highlighted the potential issues with federal agencies, which are also involved in prosecuting Trump, leading the investigation. He argued that the same federal entities could compromise the investigation’s objectivity and efficacy. “It is not in the best interest of our state or nation to have the same federal agencies that are prosecuting Donald Trump leading this investigation,” DeSantis stressed.
The Florida investigation will run parallel to the federal probe, aiming to address the lack of collaboration and to ensure Florida’s laws are upheld. Reports indicate that state and federal agencies often pursue simultaneous investigations to leverage different legal charges effectively. However, DeSantis remains adamant that state-level accountability is critical in this high-profile case.
