Details of the Assassination Attempt
Ryan W. Routh, a 58-year-old man suspected of planning to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been charged with two gun-related crimes in federal court. The incident occurred when Routh was spotted with a rifle on the perimeter of Trump’s golf course in Florida. According to court documents filed on Monday, phone records suggest that the suspect may have been lying in wait for nearly 12 hours, hiding in the bushes with an AK-47-style assault rifle.
Routh was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene and is currently being held in custody on charges of illegally possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. US Secret Service agents stationed on the golf course ahead of Trump opened fire on the suspect after noticing the muzzle of the rifle sticking through a fence that lines the course. The gunman then fled in an SUV, leaving behind the rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. He was stopped by law enforcement officers on Interstate 95 and put up no resistance. The license plate on his vehicle had been reported stolen from another car.
Second Assassination Attempt in Two Months
This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in just two months. Trump was scheduled to unveil a new cryptocurrency business at his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, before resuming his presidential campaign in Michigan and New York. The attack has raised concerns about the violent nature of US politics and how an armed suspect was able to get so close to Trump. Just two months ago, another gunman fired at Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, grazing his ear with a bullet.
Trump’s personal schedule is not made public, so investigators are working to determine how the gunman knew of his golfing plans. Despite the increased security measures following the previous attempt on Trump’s life, questions remain about how the suspect was able to get so close to the former president. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting US presidents and presidential candidates, has faced scrutiny for its handling of security breaches.
Investigation and Background of the Suspect
Routh has prior felony convictions in North Carolina, including possession of an unregistered fully automatic gun in 2002 and possessing stolen goods in 2010. The FBI is examining Routh’s social media posts to uncover clues about his alleged planning of the assassination attempt and his motive for targeting Trump. Records show that Routh lived in North Carolina before moving to Hawaii in 2018. While he initially expressed support for Trump’s re-election in 2020, his recent posts have shown support for Biden and Harris.
Routh is known to be a supporter of Ukraine and travelled to the country after Russia’s invasion in 2022. However, Ukrainian officials have distanced themselves from Routh, and The International Legion, where foreign fighters in Ukraine serve, has denied any connection to him. Routh’s social media profiles contain messages of support for Ukraine and statements describing Trump as a threat to US democracy.
In conclusion, the attempted assassination of Trump by Ryan W. Routh has raised concerns about the security of political figures and the potential for violence in US politics. The investigation into Routh’s background and motives will shed light on the factors that led to this dangerous situation. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and address any threats to the safety of public figures to prevent similar incidents in the future.