Authorities Arrest Ryan Wesley Routh Over Incident at Golf Course

Authorities Arrest Ryan Wesley Routh Over Incident at Golf Course

Ryan Wesley Routh has been arrested in connection to a gun at former President Donald Trump’s golf course.

At a Glance

  • Authorities arrested a man the FBI accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump.
  • Ryan Wesley Routh was allegedly armed with an AK-47-style rifle and aimed at the golf course Trump was playing at. Trump was around 300 to 500 yards away.
  • Secret Service agents opened fire on Routh, who allegedly fled and was arrested on Interstate 95.
  • The FBI and the state of Florida have announced investigations.

Incident at Trump’s Florida Golf Course

The US Secret Service thwarted what the FBI said appeared to be an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, armed with an AK-47-style assault rifle, is reported to have aimed at the former President’s golf course, with Trump a distance of 300 to 500 yards away. The incident unfolded swiftly as Secret Service agents opened fire on Routh, who authorities say managed to flee the scene initially but was later apprehended on Interstate 95.

The FBI and the state of Florida have since launched thorough investigations into the incident. The area surrounding the golf course and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence has been put under stringent security lockdown. The investigations aim to uncover whether Routh acted alone or if there were others involved.

On Monday, September 16, Routh appeared in court and is facing two counts — possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?

Originally from Hawaii, Routh runs a shed-building company named Camp Box Honolulu. He has a history of supporting Democratic causes, making multiple small donations since 2019, and has expressed support for figures such as former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Nikki Haley.

Routh reportedly voted for Trump in 2016 but became increasingly critical of him over time. According to CBS News, the North Carolina Board of Elections said he voted Democratic in the state’s primary election this year.

Further investigation into Routh’s social media activities reveals that he supported Ukraine against Russia and had attempted to recruit Afghan fighters for Ukraine. He initially tried to go to Ukraine and fight, but he said he was turned down due to his age and lack of military experience.

Routh also has a criminal history. In addition to his 2002 conviction, he has been in legal trouble for some smaller offenses such as writing bad checks. He also reportedly faced a concealed weapons violation, a hit-and-run charge, and a resisting arrest charge.

Trump’s Statement

Following the incident, Donald Trump issued a statement to his supporters, confirming his safety and vowing to continue his public engagements. He reassured the public that his resolve remains unshaken and that he will persist in his efforts, irrespective of threats against him.

Sources

  1. What’s known about Ryan Wesley Routh, Trump assassination attempt suspect arrested in Florida
  2. Ryan Routh: What we know about Trump shooting suspect caught with an AK-47 and a GoPro
  3. Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI says

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