A man charged with attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump has consented to stay in federal jail as the investigation into the alleged conspiracy continues.
The defendant, Ryan Wesley Routh, waived his right to a detention hearing, which would allow authorities to hold him in custody while prosecutors work on their case.
Routh was said to have boarded a train toward Washington, D.C., with a gun and other weapons, investigators said. The movement and things recovered have become key to the case as authorities seek to uncover intent, planning and whether others may have been involved, officials say.
Authorities have not published full details of the alleged assassination attempt, but the case has raised serious security worries around Trump, who remains a powerful political figure in the United States.
In other cases, legal commentators say, agreeing to stay in custody might be a strategic decision that gives the defense more time to evaluate evidence and develop strategy in a high-profile case.
Federal agencies are continuing their probe into the suspect’s travel history, communications and suspected motivations. A trial date has not been set, but further judicial action is expected in the coming weeks.
The case underscores increasing concerns about threats against political figures in the U.S. as law enforcement continues to promote vigilance and security.
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