Man accused of conspiring to assassinate Trump is scheduled to be arraigned in West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Ryan Wesley Routh is expected to appear in federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday for the third straight time, this time on an indictment.

The hearing follows a grand jury indictment last week on attempted murder charges for allegedly conspiring to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

Authorities said Routh, 58, who was originally arrested on two federal weapons charges, was ordered last week to remain in jail while awaiting trial.

Prosecutors presented new evidence, including a handwritten letter in which Routh allegedly expressed his intention to assassinate Trump.

Authorities allege Routh scouted locations near Trump's residence for months before eventually camping out in front of his golf club in West Palm Beach. Police discovered a rifle and a backpack in the nearby tree line.

Following Routh's indictment on attempted murder charges, it was revealed that Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump-appointed federal judge, was under intense scrutiny over her handling of a criminal case accusing Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate was subjected to Florida. She dismissed that case in July, a decision that special counsel Jack Smith's team is now appealing.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast had organized a congressional committee tour of the Trump International Golf Course on Friday to interview witnesses in the case, but the event was postponed due to Hurricane Helene.

In addition to the federal charges, Routh is also being charged with attempted murder by the Florida Attorney General.

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters that “the suspect likely committed violations of state law” and criticized the federal investigation into Trump's first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, saying there were still many questions This incident has not been answered.

“People deserve the truth about the alleged assassin and how he managed to get within 500 meters of the former president and current GOP candidate.” DeSantis wrote on X last week.

On Tuesday, DeSantis promised that state investigations would be more transparent than federal investigations.

Court records show Routh faces one count each of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, illegal possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assault on a federal officer, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and illegal possession of a firearm deleted serial number.

Routh's arraignment is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Monday.

Although he has not yet filed, he is expected to do so later. A Local 10 News team will be in the courtroom providing updates as the hearing progresses.