Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday, according to the FBI as quoted by the New York Times.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after Secret Service agents opened fire near Trump’s Florida golf course. A high-powered AK-47-style rifle equipped with a scope and a GoPro camera was recovered at the scene.
Routh, reportedly hiding in shrubbery near the property, fled in a black car after Secret Service agents fired shots. Authorities were able to track down the vehicle after witnesses provided critical information, leading to Routh’s arrest. "We have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect," Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said during a press conference.
Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Routh, a former construction worker from Greensboro, North Carolina, has no formal military background but has expressed a strong desire to participate in armed conflict. He made headlines in the past for his online posts, including a declaration of his willingness to "fight and die" in Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. He also advocated for civilian intervention in global conflicts on various social media platforms.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Routh expressed his commitment to join the Ukraine conflict, while his Signal profile bio suggested that "civilians must change this war and prevent future wars." His WhatsApp bio further reflected his global activism, advocating for human rights and democracy.
Routh had also reportedly traveled to Ukraine in 2023, claiming to support the war effort and recruit Afghan soldiers, according to The New York Times. His criminal history includes a 2002 arrest in Greensboro, where he barricaded himself inside a building with a fully automatic weapon. The outcome of that case remains unclear.
The investigation into the alleged assassination attempt is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information about Routh's background and motives.
