Ryan Wesley Routh, the man arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has had at least 100 run-ins with police and has a background in construction. His social media posts show that he had strong opinions about politics and world events, including the war in Ukraine and the 2020 election. Routh had a complicated relationship with Trump, initially supporting him in 2016 but backtracking during the 2020 election. He also expressed readiness to fight in Ukraine against Russian President Vladimir Putin and was reportedly in Kyiv at one point.
Routh’s run-ins with law enforcement in North Carolina date back decades and include charges for simple possession, driving without a license, and driving with expired registration. He was involved in a three-hour standoff in 2002 after barricading himself in his construction company’s office. Routh was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, resisting law enforcement, and driving with a revoked license. State records show he was sentenced to probation in that case. Routh has since moved to Hawaii, where he now owns and operates a construction company called “Camp Box Honolulu” that focuses on building housing structures for the less fortunate.
The arrest at Trump International Golf Club has been described as an attempted assassination of former President Trump by the FBI. Routh allegedly pushed the muzzle of an AK-47 through the chainlink fence outside the golf club where Trump was present. Secret Service agents opened fire on Routh, who fled but was later apprehended and taken into custody. Trump reassured the public that he was safe and well following the incident, noting that there were gunshots in his vicinity but he was unharmed. This incident comes after a previous assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, where Trump sustained an ear injury.
Routh’s social media posts reveal his strong opinions about political figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden, urging them to visit victims of various events and show compassion. He also expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership and called for a media campaign to encourage global support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. His background as a construction worker and owner of United Roofing, a company with poor reviews, sheds light on his troubled past and controversial actions. Routh’s history of involvement in law enforcement incidents and his outspoken social media presence suggest a complex and potentially dangerous individual.
The New York Times reported on Routh’s involvement in seeking Afghan soldier recruits to fight in Ukraine, highlighting his willingness to move individuals illegally to Ukraine and navigate corrupt systems to achieve his goals. Routh’s activity in Ukraine and his statements about the global response to the conflict show a deep-seated commitment to certain causes and a willingness to take drastic actions. His relocation to Hawaii and focus on construction projects for the homeless indicate a shift towards more altruistic endeavors, but his past interactions with law enforcement and involvement in potentially dangerous situations raise concerns about his motives and behavior.
The incident at Trump International Golf Club underscores the ongoing security threats faced by high-profile individuals like former President Trump. Routh’s bold actions, armed with an AK-47 and attempting to breach the security perimeter, highlight the potential for violence in today’s political climate. The FBI’s characterization of the incident as an attempted assassination reflects the seriousness of the situation. As details about Routh’s background and motivations emerge, it becomes clear that he is a complex individual with a history of confrontations and controversial statements. The aftermath of the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and security measures in the face of potential threats against public figures.
