Mon Sep 23 22:38:49 UTC 2024: ## Former Attorney General Barr Criticizes DOJ for Releasing Suspect’s Letter in Trump Assassination Attempt Case

**West Palm Beach, FL** – Former US Attorney General William Barr has publicly criticized the Justice Department (DOJ) for releasing a disturbing letter written by Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump earlier this month. Barr, who served as Attorney General under both President George H. W. Bush and President Donald Trump, expressed concern that the letter’s release could incite further violence.

Prosecutors released the letter, which they say was addressed “To the World,” in a court filing Monday. The letter allegedly calls for Trump’s assassination, offers a $150,000 bounty for his death, and attempts to rouse others to violence.

Barr, in a statement to Fox News, called the DOJ’s decision to release the letter “dumbfounded,” arguing that it served no purpose other than to risk further violence. He also criticized the DOJ for not redacting inflammatory material or submitting the letter under seal.

Barr’s concerns echo criticisms from those who noted the DOJ’s reluctance to release the manifesto of the Nashville school shooter, who killed six people last year, including three children.

Despite evidence suggesting Routh did not actually fire shots during the incident at Trump International Golf Club, prosecutors have charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Investigators found a loaded SKS rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera in Routh’s alleged sniper’s nest.

Routh could face additional charges in the coming weeks. He is believed to have traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina to West Palm Beach, Florida just a month before the alleged assassination attempt.

This is the second high-profile attempt on Trump’s life since July when shots were fired at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the 45th president’s ear and injuring others.

Trump, in a statement released Monday, criticized the DOJ and FBI for their handling of the investigation, calling the charges against Routh a “slap on the wrist.” He also expressed a lack of confidence in the federal agencies and suggested that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis should take over the investigation.

Read More