Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested near Donald Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where authorities allege he was plotting to assassinate the former president. Routh had been positioned for nearly 12 hours with a loaded SKS-style rifle and a scope, waiting for Trump to enter his line of sight. The Secret Service spotted the rifle barrel through a fence and opened fire before Routh could act. He fled the scene but was arrested shortly after by sheriff's deputies in a nearby county.
Routh now faces charges for the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, among several other serious felonies. These include possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, assault on a federal officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted, Routh could face a life sentence.
⁉️So Ryan Routh penned a letter to the world about his failure to assassin8 Trump, and offered💲to anyone who succeeded in his place; while he was fleeing in his getaway vehicle?
🔻Sounds more like the CIA just penned a letter to the world offering a bounty on his head. pic.twitter.com/3r3THVnkhx
— Still🏝️Roaming (@roaming_rn) September 23, 2024
The case has gained additional media attention due to the assignment of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who has previously presided over high-profile cases involving the former president.
Cannon made headlines last year after she controversially dismissed criminal charges against Trump related to his possession of classified documents. Her involvement in this case, which was assigned randomly, has sparked speculation about potential bias, though no formal requests for recusal have been made.
JUST IN: Would-be Trump assass*in's son, who once called himself a "reasonable person" because he didn't like Trump, arrested on child p*rn charges.
Ryan Routh's son Oran Routh was arrested after investigators say they found hundreds of files.
The discovery came while… pic.twitter.com/ral1PjpGFE
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 24, 2024
Prosecutors allege that Routh’s actions were premeditated, driven by a deep hatred of Trump’s policies, particularly his stance on the war in Ukraine. Investigators have uncovered extensive social media posts where Routh railed against Trump, calling him a threat to democracy. Furthermore, it was revealed that Routh had offered a $150,000 reward to anyone who could successfully carry out the assassination.
The incident has prompted a renewed focus on security measures for political figures, especially as Trump continues his 2024 presidential campaign. In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of holding those accountable for attacks on political candidates, ensuring that federal resources are fully committed to securing their safety. Garland did not comment on whether the Department of Justice would coordinate with Florida’s investigation, as Trump has expressed concerns about the federal response.
At the time of his arrest, Routh was already facing two gun-related charges, and his criminal record includes multiple felonies. Law enforcement found a digital camera among his belongings, leading to speculation that Routh intended to film the assassination. The precise motive behind his plot remains under investigation, though his anti-Trump rhetoric appears to be a significant factor.
Judge Cannon’s involvement in the case has raised eyebrows given her past rulings favorable to Trump. However, legal experts argue that her oversight in this case is unlikely to affect the outcome, as Routh’s guilt appears to be an "open and shut" matter based on the evidence presented so far.
As the legal process unfolds, the security around Trump is expected to tighten, especially as his campaign ramps up ahead of the 2024 election. The severity of the charges against Routh underscores the heightened risks faced by political candidates in today's polarized environment.
