Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, faced federal court charges on Monday for gun-related offenses following an apparent “attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump on Sunday at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Currently, the two charges against Routh include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The arrest comes after the U.S. Secret Services spotted Routh allegedly positioned with a rifle in the bushes at the golf course where Trump was playing. According to law enforcement, Routh was located only a few hundred yards from Trump, however, it is currently unknown if Routh ever discharged any rounds. Upon noticing Routh, Secret Service agents immediately opened fire. Routh managed to escape in a black Nissan but was apprehended within an hour about 50 miles from the scene.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the situation, with the FBI describing it as a potential assassination attempt. During their investigation, authorities discovered an AK47-style rifle, a scope, and several other items, including a digital camera and two backpacks, at the scene. Routh’s cellphone records placed him near the golf course for a significant period, strengthening the connection between him and the attempted breach.
Routh’s background reveals a troubling history. Originally from North Carolina, he has previous convictions including a 2002 felony for possession of a weapon of mass destruction and various misdemeanors.
Online, Routh expressed strong anti-Trump sentiments. His now-suspended X (formerly Twitter) account featured posts critical of Trump, whom he viewed as a threat to U.S. democracy and strong support for Ukraine, particularly in response to Russia's invasion in 2022.
His online behavior and political affiliations and activities are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation to determine if they played a role in his alleged actions.
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