RUFUS – Ashley Portley, the transgender shooter accused of assassinating Department Of Homeland Security Marcus Welder is now facing the death penalty as Federal Prosecutors provide evidence against her. Portley was arrested on October 20, 2025, after a tip off from one of her neighbors.

Portley was originally charged with Felonious assault on a Government official using a firearm, Felonious assault resulting in death, and Felonious discharge of a firearm in the presence of the public. Federal prosecutor Devin Fletcher, said that his office was seeking the death penalty, citing the ramifications of the assassination of the individual tasked with protecting National Security.

“This individual has proven that the assassination of Marcus Welder is nothing and declared he deserved to die,” said Fletcher. “We are seeking the death penalty and will push for this sentence, nothing less. DHS Secretary Welder was murdered in cold blood, and in public, and was the defender of our nation. This murder will not go unpunished.”

Attorney’s for Portley said that they believe the law will protect her from the death penalty, under the guise that she was mentally ill, and was not in control of her own actions. They accused federal prosecutors of acting with their feelings, and not the law. They said they will “absolutely appeal the death penalty, if it is handed down.”

“She is mentally ill,” said Nancy Dunborne, Portley’s defense attorney. “Plain and simple, she was not in control of her emotions and could not have been in control of her actions the day of Welder’s murder. But to cut directly to the death penalty is the prosecution acting with their emotions and not the law. We will absolutely appeal the death penalty sentence, if it is handed down to my client.”

A federal grand jury is already taking shape as attorneys from both sides begin the jury selection process. A jury trial was requested unsurprisingly by Portley’s attorneys and a federal judge granted the jury trial on October 27.

Further information on court proceedings have not been released and the Federal Court System website has not provided any information, links or resources related to the case. The Portley family has remained firm in their support of their daughter.