Suspect in Apparent Trump Assassination Attempt Camped Outside Golf Course for 12 Hours
In a shocking event that has raised new concerns about former President Donald Trump’s security, a man named Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been arrested and charged after reportedly camping outside a Florida golf course where Trump was playing for nearly 12 hours. Authorities say Routh was armed with a loaded rifle and appeared to be lying in wait for Trump. The event, which occurred just weeks before the 2024 presidential election, marks the second assassination attempt against Trump in two months, prompting a fresh wave of concern about the adequacy of security measures.
Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old convicted felon, is now facing federal charges of illegally possessing a firearm despite his felony status, and another charge for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. These charges carry serious penalties, but it is expected that more severe accusations could arise as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are seeking a grand jury indictment, and it’s likely that the current charges are just the beginning.
The Plot: What Happened at the Golf Course?
On the day of the incident, Routh was allegedly spotted lurking in the shrubbery of a golf course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing. The Secret Service, tasked with Trump’s security, noticed a firearm sticking out of the bushes. When an agent approached, Routh fled but was apprehended shortly after in a neighboring county. No shots were fired by Routh, but the Secret Service agent reportedly opened fire to prevent an escalation.
A Chilling Wait: Routh’s 12-Hour Stakeout
According to an FBI affidavit, Routh was camped out at the edge of the golf course from around 1:59 a.m. until just after 1:00 p.m., waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His camp was discovered with a digital camera, a loaded SKS-style rifle fitted with a scope, and food supplies, showing the level of preparation he had for the event. These details paint a disturbing picture of premeditation and intent, though Routh’s ultimate goal remains unclear.
Political Motives: Routh’s Past and His Online Footprint
Authorities have yet to release an official motive, but a look into Routh’s past writings and online presence offers clues. In a self-published book from 2023 titled Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh criticized Trump, calling him a “fool” and a “buffoon.” He blamed Trump for the January 6 Capitol riots and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Routh admitted in his writings that he had once voted for Trump but had since grown disillusioned with him, going as far as to suggest in his book that people were “free to assassinate” the former president.
Routh also appeared to be involved in efforts to recruit fighters for Ukraine to combat Russian forces, revealing shifting political loyalties and deep outrage over global events. His digital footprint hints at a man who had become increasingly radicalized over time.
Routh’s Criminal Past
One of the charges Routh faces stems from his prior felony convictions, which legally barred him from possessing any firearms. Court documents show that in 2002, he was convicted on two counts of possessing stolen goods in North Carolina. The obliterated serial number on the rifle found with him further violates federal law, adding to his legal troubles.
A Question of Security: How Did This Happen?
This incident has brought into question the effectiveness of security measures protecting Trump, particularly when he is not at official campaign events but at his private properties. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw acknowledged that since Trump is no longer a sitting president, the security around his activities is less stringent than it would have been during his time in office. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has since announced that the state will conduct its own investigation into how Routh was able to get so close to Trump.
A Growing Concern: Second Assassination Attempt in Two Months
This attempted attack is the second one Trump has faced in just two months. In July, a gunman fired a shot that grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. These back-to-back incidents have raised alarms not just among Trump’s Republican allies but also among Democrats, with many questioning how these individuals were able to get so close to a former president.
The repeated security breaches have led to calls for an immediate review of the protection provided to Trump as he continues his 2024 presidential campaign. Even though the Secret Service remains vigilant, these recent attempts show that there may be gaps in the current protocols, especially when Trump is at his private properties or non-official locations.
Routh’s Arrest and Future Legal Battles
Following his arrest, Routh was brought into federal court in West Palm Beach. Wearing a blue jumpsuit and shackles, he spoke only briefly to answer basic questions from the magistrate. He revealed that he had no significant assets, aside from two trucks in Hawaii, and was making around $3,000 a month. Prosecutors argue that Routh is a flight risk and have successfully secured his detention as the case proceeds.
The coming weeks will determine the direction of the charges against Routh, as prosecutors push for more severe accusations that could include attempted assassination. The case also raises broader questions about political violence and the dangers faced by public figures in today’s highly charged political climate.
