Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from Hawaii, has been identified as the suspect in an alleged second assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The incident occurred at Trump’s golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, where Secret Service agents noticed a gun barrel hidden in the bushes.
After being confronted by agents, Routh fled the scene, abandoning an AK-47-style rifle, backpacks, and a GoPro camera. Authorities apprehended him shortly after on Interstate 95, thanks to a witness who captured a photo of his car and license plate.
Routh’s online history reveals he was a supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, expressing strong views on social media. He had attempted to recruit Afghan soldiers to fight against Russia in Ukraine and once asked Elon Musk about purchasing a rocket to target Vladimir Putin’s mansion.
Additionally, his political leanings have fluctuated, from supporting Bernie Sanders in 2020 to criticizing both Trump and Biden.
His family expressed shock at the news. One son described Routh as a caring father, while another refrained from commenting on the incident, hoping it was exaggerated. The FBI has labeled the case a top priority, and investigations are ongoing.
