Ryan Wesley Routh appeared in court Monday after being arrested in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred on Sunday at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, marking the second such attempt in less than three months.
Ryan Wesley Routh in custody after Donald Trump golf club incident
The Secret Service reported that Routh was spotted hiding in the bushes with an AK-47 rifle near the golf course where Donald Trump was playing. An agent stationed one hole ahead of Trump noticed the rifle sticking out of a fence approximately 300 to 500 yards away. The agent opened fire after seeing the weapon, but Routh fled the scene in a black Nissan. Authorities were able to apprehend him shortly afterward on Interstate 95, thanks to a tip from an eyewitness.
Two backpacks were found near the weapon, and the FBI is investigating the contents as part of the ongoing investigation. Although gunshots were reportedly fired, Trump was not injured, and his campaign quickly reassured the public about his safety.
Trump’s Response
Shortly after the incident, Trump issued a statement via social media: “There were gunshots near me, but before the rumors start to get out of control, I want you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He thanked the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift actions. This attack comes just two months after a previous attempt on July 13, during which Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear and the assailant was killed by security forces.
I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2024
Routh, who has a history of criminal activity, has reportedly developed an obsession with global politics in recent months, particularly Russia’s war in Ukraine. The FBI is looking into whether these geopolitical fixations played a role in his actions. In court, Routh faced charges related to the possession of firearms and attempted assassination. More charges are expected to follow as the investigation progresses.
Routh’s son, Oran, expressed disbelief at the allegations against his father.
“Ryan is my father, and I don’t have any comment beyond a character profile of him as a loving and caring father, and honest, hardworking man. I don’t know what’s happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion,” Oran said. He described his father as someone who “doesn’t seem capable of such violent actions.”
Authorities are still piecing together the full scope of the attack. The FBI, in coordination with the Secret Service, is analyzing evidence from the scene and determining whether there were any accomplices involved. The second attempt on Trump’s life within such a short time frame has raised security concerns around the former president, who is running as the Republican nominee for the White House in 2024.
The situation remains under investigation as Routh awaits further legal proceedings.
