DOJ Faces Backlash Over Release of Trump Assassination Plot Letter

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Former Attorney General Bill Barr slams the Department of Justice for releasing a letter detailing an assassination plot against former President Donald Trump, raising concerns about potential incitement of violence.

At a Glance

  • Former AG Bill Barr criticizes DOJ for publicizing letter from alleged Trump assassin
  • Letter offered $150,000 bounty to “finish the job” of killing Trump
  • Barr warns release could incite violence during tense election period
  • Incident occurred at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on September 15, 2024
  • Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh faces charges; additional charges may be forthcoming

DOJ’s Controversial Decision

The Department of Justice has come under fire for its decision to release a letter detailing an assassination plot against former President Donald Trump. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who served under both Trump and George H.W. Bush, expressed his shock and disapproval of the DOJ’s actions, arguing that the release could potentially incite further violence during an already tense election period.

The letter in question, allegedly authored by suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, offered a $150,000 bounty to anyone who could “finish the job” of killing Trump. This disturbing content was made public by prosecutors as evidence of Routh’s intention to assassinate the former president.

Barr’s Criticism

Barr did not mince words in his condemnation of the DOJ’s decision. In a statement to Fox News, he expressed his dismay:

“I was dumbfounded that the DOJ made public this morning the contents of the letter that Ryan Routh left with an acquaintance prior to the attempted assassination of former President Trump,” Barr told Fox News. “The letter calls on people to ‘finish the job’ of killing President Trump, attempts to rouse people in incendiary terms to do so, and offers $150,000 to anyone who succeeds. There was no apparent justification for releasing this information at this stage.”

The former Attorney General argued that the DOJ had alternatives to making the letter public, such as redacting inflammatory material or submitting it under seal. He emphasized the potential dangers of releasing such information during an election year, especially considering the recent attempts on Trump’s life.

The Incident and Its Aftermath

The security scare occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Authorities found a loaded SKS rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera in what was described as a “sniper’s nest” near the 6th hole. Routh, who did not fire any shots during the incident, was later arrested during a traffic stop in Florida.

“This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.” – Routh

Routh currently faces charges for illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Additional charges, including aggravated assault and making threats against a former president, may be forthcoming.

Comparisons and Criticisms

Critics have drawn comparisons between this disclosure and the authorities’ decision not to release the Nashville shooter’s manifesto, suggesting potential bias in handling sensitive information. The incident has also reignited discussions about the protection of public figures and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in managing potential threats.

“For the life of me, I do not understand why the Kamala-Biden DOJ is publicly releasing a letter from Ryan Wesley Routh announcing a $150,000 bounty on my dad’s head,” Trump, Jr., told The Daily Wire on Monday.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the DOJ’s decision-making process and the potential consequences of releasing such sensitive information to the public. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures and the delicate balance between transparency and public safety.

Sources:

  1. Bill Barr blasts DOJ for releasing letter of alleged would-be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh: ‘Dumbfounded’
  2. Releasing Trump Suspect’s Letter Could Be ‘Call to Arms’: Legal Analyst
  3. Ex-AG Barr joins criticism of DOJ’s release of Trump bounty letter: ‘No apparent justification’
  4. Former AG Barr Rips DOJ for Releasing Routh Note
  5. Former AG Barr Rips DOJ for Releasing Routh Note
  6. Bill Barr complicit in misleading voter fraud statement’s release – watchdog

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