Federal investigators are intensifying efforts to bring additional charges against the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf club. The ongoing investigation involves examining electronic devices and other evidence to determine the suspect's intentions and possible motives. Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that investigators are exploring the potential of a foreign connection, including links to Iranian threats against the former president or the suspect's previous international travels. Despite this, there is currently no evidence suggesting that the suspect was instructed by foreign entities to target Trump.

The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, has not cooperated with the FBI following his arrest on gun-related charges. Prosecutors and investigators are treating the incident as an apparent plot to kill the former president and are actively working to build a case with additional charges. However, the complexity of the case arises from the fact that the US Secret Service reported Routh did not have a direct line of sight to Trump and did not fire any shots before being confronted by a Secret Service officer. As a result, establishing Routh's intent on that day will require leveraging other forms of evidence.

Federal investigators are delving into Routh's electronic devices and conducting interviews with potential witnesses to gain further insights into his motives. Routh's connections to various countries, including Ukraine, have raised concerns about a potential foreign nexus in the case. Chelsea Walsh, who reported Routh to federal authorities in 2022 after finding his behavior disturbing, has been cooperating with the FBI regarding the recent assassination attempt. Routh's return to the US from Ukraine led to his referral to Homeland Security Investigations, although there was no immediate reason for his arrest at the time.