The 58-year-old man detained as the main suspect in an attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump was identified on Sunday, hours after the incident. However, details about his life and what led him to carry out this act have come to light as the investigation progresses.
Ryan Wesley Routh, the detained individual, did not fire his AK-47 rifle with a telescopic sight nor did he have Trump in his line of sight while he was hiding at the golf course where the former president was present. Nonetheless, the man was spotted by a Secret Service agent responsible for Trump's protection and fled at high speed, authorities said.
He was arrested the same Sunday on a nearby highway and on Monday, Routh appeared before a federal court in West Palm Beach to face federal charges for firearm possession during a presidential campaign, in which Trump is seeking to return to the White House. Routh declared that he has no savings, that his only assets are two trucks currently in Hawaii, and that he receives about $3,000 monthly in income, reported EFE.
Details that emerged after the events reveal a Routh who was apparently disappointed with the policies adopted by Trump during his administration (2017-2021). “The world and I expected President Trump to be different and better than when he was a candidate, but we are all very disappointed and it seems you are getting worse... I will be glad when you are gone," he wrote on X in 2020, according to EFE.
However, his vote this year, in the primary elections in North Carolina, was for the Democrats, according to data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections cited by CBS. The man was born in that state, although his residence is listed in Hawaii, where he owns a construction company and has shown support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
Until Sunday afternoon, when he was in the tree line of the golf course from 1:59 a.m. to 2:31 p.m., to extend his list of offenses, Routh had a long criminal record. In 2002, according to court records consulted by various media, he was convicted for possessing an automatic machine gun. Additionally, documents reveal other convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of stolen goods, and a hit-and-run incident.
The man also has a 25-year-old son who expressed surprise at his father's actions. “I don't know what happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been exaggerated,” he told CNN. On September 23, Routh is scheduled to appear in court again for his bail hearing. A week later, on September 30, the charges will be read to him.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated at a press conference in West Palm Beach that “this is a crime that should warrant life imprisonment” and assured a state investigation parallel to the federal one. “People deserve the truth about the potential assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current Republican candidate," he wrote on X.
Key Questions about the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
As the investigation into the attempted assassination of Donald Trump continues, several questions have emerged that are crucial for understanding the case. Here are some key questions and their answers:
Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh is a 58-year-old man from North Carolina, currently residing in Hawaii. He owns a construction company and has a long criminal record.
What were the charges against Routh?
Routh faces federal charges for firearm possession during a presidential campaign. He has also been convicted in the past for various offenses including possession of an automatic machine gun and a hit-and-run incident.
What motivated Routh's actions?
Routh was reportedly disappointed with Trump's policies during his administration. He expressed his frustrations on social media, stating that he expected Trump to be different and better than when he was a candidate.
What is the current status of Routh's case?
Routh is scheduled to appear in court for his bail hearing on September 23. The charges against him will be formally read on September 30.