In a shocking development, Ryan Wesley Routh has been identified as the suspect in an apparent second assassination attempt on former President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The incident occurred at a golf course in Florida, where Routh, armed with an AK-style rifle, was found hiding in bushes roughly 400-500 yards away from Trump.
Secret Service agents confronted Routh after spotting him, prompting them to fire four to five rounds at the suspect, according to reports. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that Routh dropped the weapon and fled in a vehicle, leaving behind two knapsacks, a rifle scope, and a GoPro camera. The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation but has yet to release an official statement.
Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Routh, a 58-year-old originally from North Carolina and later a resident of Hawaii, ran a shed-building business with his son. Known for his active presence on social media, he often shared views on U.S. politics and international events.
According to reports, Routh’s voter records show him as unaffiliated, though he participated in North Carolina’s Democratic primary in March 2024. He has previously made donations to ActBlue, a political committee supporting Democratic candidates. His social media history reveals support for former Democratic candidate Tulsi Gabbard, who later aligned with the Republican Party. Routh’s political leanings have shifted over time, and more recently, he voiced support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Routh’s Social Media Activity
Following the first assassination attempt on Trump earlier this year in Pennsylvania, Routh called on President Biden and Vice President Harris to visit the wounded victims and attend the funeral of a former fire chief who was killed during that event. His social media also reflects his backing for Ukraine’s efforts against Russia, where he actively commented on the war and even operated a website aimed at raising funds and recruiting volunteers for Kyiv.
Legal Troubles in Routh’s Past
Routh has had multiple interactions with law enforcement, most notably a 2002 conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction after a standoff with police in North Carolina.
Despite the tense situation, Trump remained unharmed during the incident in Florida. In a statement to his supporters, Trump thanked his security team for their swift response. He was playing golf at the time and was promptly moved to safety. While unharmed, Trump humorously lamented not being able to finish his round, mentioning he “had a birdie putt.”
The Pennsylvania Incident and Its Aftermath
This latest incident comes just two months after another attempt on Trump’s life. During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was shot at, with a bullet grazing his right ear. The Secret Service confirmed that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed at the scene. That shooting left one rally attendee dead and two others injured. Vice President Kamala Harris, responding to the recent Florida incident, expressed her relief that Trump remained safe and condemned the escalating violence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover more about Routh’s motives and whether any larger plots were involved in this latest threat to Trump’s life.
