On Monday, the U.S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting high-profile political figures, revealed new information regarding the alleged assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Roth (58), who was arrested on Sunday, did not fire a weapon.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Roe stated that Roth was armed when a Secret Service agent discovered him and fired a warning shot. However, Roe confirmed that Roth did not fire at the former president.
Jeffrey Feltre, an FBI official handling the investigation, clarified during a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, that there is no evidence suggesting Roth acted with assistance from others.
Local police chief Rick Bradshaw added that Roth was not close to firing his weapon and confirmed the arrest, noting, “The suspect was apprehended and has been referred to the judiciary.”
Investigators found that Roth spent nearly 12 hours around Trump’s golf club before being detected, based on phone tracking data.
On Monday, Roth faced federal charges for illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon with an obliterated serial number during his initial court appearance in Florida. Additional charges may be filed in a future hearing.
During the brief initial court session, Roth appeared calm and responded with a quiet “yes” to several questions from the judge.
The FBI confirmed that Trump, the former president and Republican candidate for the upcoming November 5th election, appeared to be the target of the assassination attempt. Trump’s campaign has assured that he was unharmed.
