A second alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has resulted in the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old Florida resident. The incident, which occurred on September 15, 2024, has raised concerns about security and the suspect's background.
Routh, who reportedly traveled to Ukraine following Russia's invasion in February 2022, had been vocal about supporting Kyiv's defense efforts. His social media activity revealed a strong advocacy for sending arms and even American soldiers to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Law enforcement officials disclosed that Routh was allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, a weapon first introduced in 1947 by the Soviet Union. He also possessed a protective ceramic tile vest and two backpacks during the alleged attempt. The suspect fled the scene in a Nissan vehicle but was apprehended approximately 50 miles from Trump International Golf Club in Martin County, Florida.
Investigations into Routh's background have uncovered a complex history. He reportedly attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a historically black public research university, before relocating to Hawaii around 2018. In Hawaii, Routh claimed to have owned Camp Box Honolulu, an initiative aimed at addressing the state's high homelessness rate through economical housing structures.
"I am constantly looking for collaborative opportunities which yield the most public impact for the improvement of our society."
The suspect's social media presence, including his profile on X (formerly Twitter), showcased his support for Ukraine and his urging of Congress to provide financial and military aid. Routh had even suggested creating a tent city in Kyiv for foreign supporters and proposed sending American military personnel to fight as civilians in Ukraine.
Law enforcement officials are now investigating Routh's motives and potential plans. Of particular interest is his time spent in Ukraine and the fact that he was carrying a GoPro camera, suggesting a possible intent to document his actions.
This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump in recent months. A previous attempt in July 2024 at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, resulted in injuries and a fatality. Routh had reportedly urged Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden to visit the injured and attend the funeral of the victim from that incident.
The case has drawn attention to Routh's criminal history, including a 2002 conviction in North Carolina for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, which was reportedly a fully automatic machine gun. This incident, along with eight minor offenses, has raised questions about the suspect's access to firearms and his motivations.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover more details about Routh's background, his alleged plans, and any potential connections to extremist ideologies or foreign influences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by current and former high-profile political figures in the United States.