The suspect involved in an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from Hawaii. According to the FBI and law enforcement sources, Routh was armed with an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera at the time of the incident.
RELATED: Who Was Thomas Matthew Crooks? All About Trump Rally Shooter
Table of Contents
Incident Details
The FBI stated that the incident took place on September 15, 2024, as Trump was playing a round of golf. Secret Service agents spotted the muzzle of the weapon through the shrubbery surrounding the course. At the time, Trump was reported to be around 300-500 yards away from the suspect.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County confirmed that Secret Service agents “immediately engaged” Routh. The suspect fled the scene in a black Nissan SUV, abandoning the rifle, backpacks, and camera. A witness captured an image of the vehicle, which led law enforcement to apprehend Routh on I-95, approximately 38 miles north of the golf course.
Background on Ryan Wesley Routh
Routh’s social media profiles provide some insight into his political views. His posts largely support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and he has expressed pro-Taiwan and anti-China sentiments. In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, Routh shared his experiences volunteering to fight in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion. He reportedly sought to recruit Afghan soldiers to assist in the Ukrainian war effort.
Further reports reveal that Routh has a history of criminal activity dating back to 2002 in North Carolina. His prior convictions include possession of a weapon of mass destruction, resisting arrest, and possession of stolen goods. This raises questions about how someone with his background was able to gain access to firearms once again.
Trump’s Response and Security Concerns
Following the incident, Trump’s campaign quickly reassured the public that the former president was safe. In a statement shared with his fundraising supporters, Trump said, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but I AM SAFE AND WELL.” Trump later spoke to Fox News host Sean Hannity, recounting how the Secret Service acted swiftly to protect him after hearing the gunfire.
This marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months. The previous incident occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, where a gunman fatally shot one of Trump’s supporters.
Investigation and Security Measures
The FBI, Secret Service, and local law enforcement are investigating Routh’s motives. The bureau has classified this latest incident as an “attempted assassination.” Prosecutors expect both state and federal charges to be filed against Routh in the coming days.
Meanwhile, officials are reviewing the security measures surrounding Trump and other political figures in light of these recent attempts. The Secret Service has stated that the “threat level is high,” and more protective measures have been implemented since the prior assassination attempt.
Moving Forward
Routh is currently in custody, with his first court appearance scheduled at the Palm Beach County courthouse. Federal investigators continue to scrutinize his past, as well as any potential connections that might explain his actions. Trump’s supporters and political rivals alike are awaiting further updates on the case.
The White House, in a statement, expressed relief that Trump remained unharmed. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s potential opponent in the 2024 election, condemned the violence, adding, “Political violence has no place in our society.”
This incident underscores the increasing security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures, especially during election periods, where tensions can run high.
