A man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump was arrested in Florida after lying in wait outside a golf course with a rifle for nearly 12 hours. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, did not fire any shots and never had Trump in his line of sight. He was arrested in a neighboring county after a Secret Service agent thwarted the potential attack by opening fire. Routh appeared in federal court to face firearms charges, sparking concerns about the security provided to Trump during a time of heightened political rhetoric and threats.
Law enforcement officials are investigating Routh’s motive and movements leading up to the incident. A Secret Service agent assigned to Trump’s security detail spotted a firearm poking out of shrubbery while Trump was playing golf in West Palm Beach. The agent fired at Routh, who then escaped in a vehicle, leaving behind a loaded rifle, a backpack, a digital camera, and food. The FBI is examining Routh’s online activity, which suggests evolving political viewpoints, including apparent disdain for Trump and strong opinions on global events involving China and Ukraine.
The thwarted attack on Trump comes just weeks after a previous shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in American presidential politics. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the attempted assassination, emphasizing that violence has no place in America. Routh’s online presence indicates changing political beliefs, including support for Ukraine and criticism of Trump. He has a history of felony convictions and illegally possessed a gun, leading to federal firearms charges.
Routh’s 2019 book, “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” expresses negative views of Trump, labeling him a “fool” and “buffoon” for various actions. The book also discusses Routh’s efforts to recruit fighters for Ukraine and his involvement in fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Voter records show Routh as an unaffiliated voter from North Carolina, with recent donations to a Democratic political action committee. A previous tip to the FBI in 2019 alleged Routh’s possession of a firearm despite felony convictions, but the information was not verified at the time.
The arrest has raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect Trump, both during campaign events and off the trail at his own properties. Sunday’s golf course outing was not on Trump’s official calendar, but the Secret Service had high levels of protection in place as directed by Biden. Secret Service officials emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how dignitaries are protected, moving from a reactive model to a readiness model. The incident highlights the challenges of safeguarding political figures in a volatile and unpredictable environment.
