The recent arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh in connection with an alleged Trump assassination attempt has captured widespread attention. The 58-year-old suspect, who has a long history of criminal activity and a fascination with global politics, was taken into custody near West Palm Beach, Florida. The arrest followed a tense standoff with law enforcement after an incident near Trump International Golf Club. Here’s what we know about Routh and the events that unfolded at the golf course.
What Happened During the Trump Assassination Attempt?
The incident occurred at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, where a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle sticking out through a fence around the golf course, about 300 to 500 yards from where Donald Trump was playing. Ryan Routh, the alleged Trump shooter, was reportedly hiding in the bushes armed with a loaded rifle equipped with a scope.
A Secret Service agent fired at Routh when he was spotted but missed, allowing him to flee in a black Nissan. Thanks to a tip from an eyewitness, authorities later located the vehicle on Interstate 95. Items found at the scene included a backpack, a digital camera, food, and a rifle.
According to officials, Routh did not fire his weapon and did not have Trump in his direct line of sight during the incident. Authorities believe he had been near the golf course for approximately 12 hours before the attempted assassination, based on cell phone records.
Who Is Ryan Routh?
Ryan Routh, the Trump shooter suspect, has a history of criminal activity spanning several decades. He spent most of his life in North Carolina before moving to Hawaii in recent years. His criminal record includes various felonies and misdemeanours, such as possession of a weapon of mass destruction, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of stolen goods. He also faced legal issues related to tax delinquencies and issuing bad checks.
One of his more significant criminal cases occurred in 2002 when he was convicted of possessing a fully automatic machine gun. This charge resulted from a traffic stop where Routh barricaded himself inside his business for three hours. Additionally, the FBI had previously received a tip in 2019 suggesting that Routh was illegally in possession of a firearm, but there was not enough evidence to pursue the case further.
From Hero to Felon: The Complex Background of Routh
Despite his troubled past, Ryan Routh was once considered a hero. In 1991, he was praised as a “super citizen” by the Greensboro News & Record for stopping a suspected rapist, earning him a “Law Enforcement Oscar” from a local chapter of the International Union of Police Associations. However, he struggled to stay out of legal trouble over the years, accumulating several charges in North Carolina. His public records show involvement in multiple court cases over 25 years.
Ryan Routh’s Life After Moving to Hawaii
Routh moved to Oahu, Hawaii, in 2018, seeking a fresh start away from his past in North Carolina. He identified himself as the owner of Camp Box Honolulu, a business specializing in portable storage units and tiny homes, aiming to provide sustainable housing solutions for local communities.
While in Hawaii, Routh had several run-ins with the law, including incidents related to squatting on private property in 2019 and reporting assaults in 2021. Despite these issues, he continued working in construction and even published a book expressing his political views.
Political Views and Possible Motivations Behind the Trump Assassination Attempt
The alleged shooter of Trump, Ryan Routh, has exhibited evolving political views. Initially a Trump supporter, Routh’s stance shifted dramatically over the years. He regretted voting for Trump and criticised the former president in a self-published 2023 book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War: The Fatal Flaw of Democracy. In the book, Routh blamed Trump for the January 6 Capitol riot, calling it a “catastrophe perpetrated by Donald Trump and his undemocratic followers.”
Routh’s changing political beliefs are also reflected in his financial records, which show donations to the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue between 2019 and 2020. Voting records from North Carolina confirm that he participated in the Democratic primary in 2024.
Routh’s Obsession with Ukraine and His Attempts to Recruit Fighters
Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Routh has been vocal in his support for the country’s defence efforts. He even travelled to Kyiv, intending to join the fight, though he was deemed unsuitable due to his age and lack of military experience. Routh then turned his focus to recruiting foreign fighters to support Ukraine, including Afghan soldiers who had fled the Taliban.
However, his attempts to recruit fighters were met with scepticism, with some Ukrainian officials labeling his efforts as unrealistic. Routh continued to push his mission through social media despite these setbacks.
The Financial Troubles of Ryan Routh
Ryan Routh’s financial situation appeared unstable at the time of his arrest. During a court appearance, he was assigned a public defender due to a lack of assets. Routh stated that he had no savings, although he mentioned earning around $3,000 a week. His financial struggles were evident, with no significant assets except for two trucks in Hawaii. He also indicated that he was supporting his 25-year-old son.
Legal Proceedings Following the Incident at the Golf Course
After the alleged Trump assassination attempt, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. During his initial court appearance, he appeared calm, even laughing with his public defender. The judge ruled that he would remain in custody until his arraignment.
Reactions from Ukraine and Russia
The incident drew international reactions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemning the attempted assassination of Trump, stating that “political violence has no place anywhere in the world.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation, suggesting it was a consequence of the U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
The Uncertain Future of Ryan Routh
The story of Ryan Routh is filled with legal troubles, political activism, and controversy. As more information surfaces, questions remain about his motivations for the Trump golf course incident and whether his political beliefs played a significant role. For now, the Trump shooter remains in custody as legal proceedings continue, leaving the public to speculate about what might come next.
Conclusion
Ryan Routh has found himself thrust into the national spotlight following an alleged assassination attempt on former President Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach. With a background marked by criminal activity, notable political shifts, and a recent arrest, Routh’s story continues to capture widespread attention. As investigations progress, the public is left wondering what factors truly drove Routh down this path. Were his actions fueled by deeper political beliefs, personal struggles, or perhaps an escalating discontent that’s also been visible at events like the recent Trump rally in Aurora? The world waits as new details continue to emerge.
FAQs
Who is Ryan Routh?
Ryan Routh is a 58-year-old man with a long criminal record, who was arrested following an apparent attempted assassination at Trump’s golf course in Florida.
What happened at Trump’s golf course?
Routh was spotted with a rifle near Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, prompting a Secret Service agent to open fire. Routh fled but was later arrested.
Does Ryan Routh have a criminal record?
Yes, Routh has a criminal history dating back to the early 2000s, including a felony conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Was Routh ever in Ukraine?
Yes, Routh travelled to Ukraine in 2022 to support the war effort but was not accepted as a fighter due to his age and lack of military experience.
What charges is Ryan Routh facing?
He is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
