Former U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday, according to the FBI.
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, who had been hiding in shrubbery near the property, fled in a black car after shots were fired by Secret Service agents. Thanks to critical information from witnesses, authorities were able to track the vehicle and arrest Routh. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed during a press conference, “We have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect.”
Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Routh, a former construction worker from Greensboro, North Carolina, has no military background but has shown a strong interest in armed conflict.
He previously gained attention for his social media posts expressing his willingness to “fight and die” in Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. He frequently called for civilian intervention in global conflicts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Signal.
In one post, Routh pledged his commitment to the Ukraine conflict, and his Signal profile echoed his belief that “civilians must change this war and prevent future wars.” His WhatsApp bio also advocated for global human rights and democracy.
Routh reportedly traveled to Ukraine in 2023, claiming to support the war effort and recruit Afghan soldiers.
His criminal record includes a 2002 arrest in Greensboro, where he barricaded himself in a building with a fully automatic weapon. The outcome of that case remains unclear.
The investigation into the attempted assassination is ongoing as authorities continue to explore Routh’s background and motivations.
