Garland Defends Releasing Letter From Suspect in Trump Assassination Attempt

Garland called the decision ’reasonable' and consistent with the department’s goal of securing Routh’s detention.

Ryan Routh speaks to reporters, in a screengrab from video.AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images

Attorney General Merrick Garland defended Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors’ decision to release a letter allegedly penned by Ryan Routh, the suspect charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, following criticism over its release because it included the promise of a bounty to anyone who succeeds in killing Trump.

Garland was asked by a reporter during a Sept. 27 press conference to respond to criticism over the DOJ’s release of the letter, with the reporter citing remarks from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who said that releasing the Routh letter on the criminal docket put Trump in more danger.