Former Attorney General Slams DOJ Over Controversial Letter Disclosure

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Former Attorney General Bill Barr has criticized the Department of Justice for releasing to the public a letter from the man who allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, suggesting the release could incite further violence.

At a Glance

  • William Barr criticized the Justice Department for publicizing an assassination attempt letter.
  • The letter offered $150,000 to complete the assassination of Donald Trump.
  • Barr warned the release could incite further violence amid rising political tensions.
  • Critics compared this to the officials’ denial to release the Nashville shooter’s manifesto.

Barr’s Criticism of DOJ’s Decision

Former Attorney General William Barr criticized the Justice Department for disclosing a letter from Ryan Wesley Routh, who allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Barr asserted that this public release was irresponsible and could surge political tensions amid the election period. The letter, obtained from a witness, supposedly offered $150,000 to anyone who could complete the assassination.

According to Barr, “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.”

Details Surrounding the Assassination Attempt

Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect, allegedly authored the letter released by prosecutors as evidence of his intention to murder Trump. Despite Routh not firing any shots during the security alert at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach on September 15, the discovery of an SKS rifle, ammo, and letters near the 6th hole suggested severe intent. Authorities found a loaded SKS rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera in the sniper’s nest.

Prosecutors revealed that months before the alleged assassination attempt, Routh traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach, Florida, confirming premeditation. Authorities arrested Routh during a traffic stop, and further investigation found materials tied to the plot, including a book authored by Routh titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War.”

Potential Ramifications of the Disclosure

Reflecting on the Justice Department’s decision, Barr stated that releasing the letter publicly served no real purpose other than risking a surge in violence. Barr suggested that the DOJ could have redacted the inflammatory parts or submitted the letter under seal. His apprehensions come in a period already marked by rising political tensions and a series of attempts on the former president’s life.

Trump Jr. also voiced his dismay, questioning the DOJ’s motives and deeming the act reckless amid an already charged atmosphere. “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.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The DOJ confirmed they obtained the letter from a witness who received it from Routh months before the attempt. The box that contained the letter also had ammunition and other items, indicating Routh’s preparedness. Legal analysts suggest that Routh might face additional charges, given his actions and the materials found with him. Routh’s car also contained a list of dates and locations where Trump had appeared or was expected to appear, further pointing to an elaborate plan.

Barr’s criticism highlights the delicate balance between transparency and public safety in a highly polarized political environment. The former Attorney General has called for more prudent handling of sensitive information, especially during volatile periods.

Sources

1. Ex-AG Barr joins criticism of DOJ’s release of Trump bounty letter: ‘No apparent justification’

2. Bill Barr blasts DOJ for releasing letter of alleged would-be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh: ‘Dumbfounded’

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