On Wednesday, Moody’s office filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, asserting that the DOJ, through the FBI, is blocking Florida authorities from determining whether the suspect, Ryan Routh, breached state laws during the incident.
“This seems to me to be shocking that the federal government is trying so hard to frustrate the state investigation,” Moody told The News Service of Florida on Friday. “I can’t understand it, for the life of me. Why they would want to do that? Nonetheless, they are and certainly Florida has never been shy of fighting for our interests and the autonomy of our own state.”
The incident took place last month when 58-year-old Routh was seen by a U.S. Secret Service agent hiding with a rifle in the bushes near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Former President Donald Trump, currently a candidate for the 2024 election, was golfing at the club at the time.
A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, who then fled the scene but was apprehended following a brief pursuit.
Although federal charges have been filed against Routh, Moody contends that a state investigation could reveal further charges. The lawsuit seeks to enable Florida’s investigation to proceed in parallel with the federal case.
