Former President Donald Trump on Monday unleashed a fresh wave of accusations against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, claiming the agencies are deliberately “downplaying” what he described as the second assassination attempt against him this year. Trump, whose fiery rhetoric has only intensified amid mounting legal battles, suggested that the investigation should be handed over to Florida authorities instead.
In a lengthy statement, Trump alleged that the DOJ and FBI are biased against him, mishandling the case due to political motivations. He argued that both agencies have a conflict of interest because of their previous and ongoing legal efforts against him.
“The Kamala Harris/Joe Biden Department of Justice and FBI are mishandling and downplaying the second assassination attempt on my life since July,” Trump said. “The charges brought against the maniac assassin are a slap on the wrist. It’s no wonder, since the DOJ and FBI have been coming after me nonstop with Weaponized Lawfare since I announced my first Historic Campaign for the Presidency.”
Trump’s comments come as he faces numerous legal battles, including charges related to his handling of classified documents, the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He also highlighted his impeachments and other cases in New York, which he claims are politically driven attempts to derail his 2024 presidential campaign.
FBI’s Response Under Scrutiny
The former president specifically pointed to comments made by FBI Director Christopher Wray following the first attempt on Trump’s life in late July. Wray, during an official statement, had suggested that it was possible Trump had been struck by something other than a bullet. However, the FBI later clarified that Trump had indeed been hit by a bullet, either fragmented or whole, intensifying Trump’s distrust of the agency’s handling of the incidents.
“It’s very difficult to trust the Biden/Harris DOJ/FBI to investigate the assassination attempts, due to Election Interference and the FAKE CASES brought against me, including their control over local D.A.s and A.G.s,” Trump asserted.
The FBI has yet to respond to Trump’s latest accusations.
Florida Steps In: DeSantis Promises Stricter Charges
Amid the escalating tensions, Trump has called for the State of Florida, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, to take over the investigation. He expressed confidence that the state would pursue far more serious charges than those currently filed by federal authorities.
“If the DOJ and FBI cannot do their job honestly and without bias, and hold the aspiring assassin responsible to the full extent of the Law, Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida have already agreed to take the lead on the investigation and prosecution,” Trump said. “Florida charges would be much more serious than the ones the FBI has announced… LET FLORIDA HANDLE THE CASE!”
DeSantis confirmed that Florida would indeed open a separate criminal investigation into the alleged assassination attempt. The state’s probe will run concurrently with the ongoing federal investigation, signaling a potential clash of authority between state and federal prosecutors.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was charged earlier this month with two gun-related crimes after allegedly pushing the muzzle of a rifle through the fence surrounding Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course while the former president was present. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, preventing further escalation.
Court documents revealed that Routh had written a letter months prior, detailing his plans to attack Trump. Currently, he faces charges of possessing a gun while being a felon and for tampering with the firearm’s serial number. Prosecutors are expected to seek additional charges through a grand jury in the coming days.
While Trump has demanded more severe charges, federal prosecutors are building their case. Florida authorities, under DeSantis’s leadership, will also be pursuing independent charges in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes legal battle.
Biden Administration Stays Silent
Despite Trump’s repeated claims that the DOJ and FBI are acting out of political motivation, President Joe Biden and his administration have maintained a firm stance of neutrality. The White House has consistently stated that the president has no involvement in any of the investigations into Trump, with aides emphasizing the importance of maintaining the independence of federal law enforcement.
As Trump continues to wage both legal and political battles, the nation watches closely, with his latest allegations likely to deepen the already stark partisan divide. Meanwhile, the investigation into the assassination attempts proceeds on two fronts — federal and state — each with far-reaching implications for the rule of law and the political climate heading into the 2024 election.
Source: The Hill
