America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal proceedings against several U.S. government departments, including the Department of State, Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuit claims these agencies are unlawfully withholding records related to Ryan Wesley Routh, who is charged with a second assassination attempt on former President Trump.
Following the incident on September 17, AFL began investigations into what information the Biden-Harris Administration had concerning Routh. The organization believes that due to Routh's criminal background and international activities, he was likely monitored by the government prior to his arrest.
AFL submitted urgent requests for relevant records from the aforementioned departments, asserting that they fulfilled all criteria for expedited processing. However, AFL states it has yet to receive any response or documentation from these agencies.
Gene Hamilton, Executive Director of America First Legal, emphasized the public's right to transparency in this matter: "The American people have every right to know what the federal government knew about Ryan Routh. There is simply no possible way that a man who traveled to foreign battlefields and recruited foreign fighters to engage in war was not on the federal government’s radar. We look forward to providing the American people with important details about the man who has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump."
The organization argues that obtaining these records is vital for ensuring Trump's safety and maintaining transparency with the public.