Federal prosecutors revealed disturbing new details about Ryan Wesley Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of planning an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Routh was arrested earlier this month near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he allegedly sat in a tree with a rifle as Trump played golf. Authorities say Routh’s intent was clear: he wrote a letter claiming responsibility for an assassination attempt and offered $150,000 to anyone who could finish the job.
The Discovery of a Chilling Plan
A witness told investigators that months before the incident, Routh had dropped off a suspicious box at his home. The box contained ammunition, a metal pipe, tools, four phones, and various letters. One letter addressed to “The World” confessed, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job.”
The letter went on to criticize Trump’s foreign policy, specifically his decision to end diplomatic relations with Iran, stating, “Trump ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unraveled.”
The Day of the Incident
On September 15, a Secret Service agent patrolling Trump’s golf course spotted a rifle poking out of the tree line several holes ahead of where the former president was playing. Routh was seen fleeing the scene and driving off, leading law enforcement on a chase. Cell phone data later revealed that Routh had been lying in wait for nearly 12 hours at the golf course, indicating premeditated intent.
Routh’s arrest occurred after law enforcement spotted his car on a nearby highway. A search of his vehicle uncovered six cell phones, 12 pairs of gloves, and a Hawaii driver’s license. One of the phones contained a Google search on how to travel from Florida to Mexico, raising further suspicions about Routh’s plan to evade authorities.
Long-Term Surveillance of Trump’s Locations
Prosecutors have alleged that Routh’s plot spanned multiple days in August and September, as cell phone data placed him near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and the golf course on several occasions between August 18 and the day of his arrest on September 15. Investigators also found a handwritten list in Routh’s possession, detailing locations and dates where Trump was expected to appear in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Routh had traveled to West Palm Beach from North Carolina on August 14, indicating that he had been closely monitoring Trump’s movements for at least a month.
A Troubled History and Radical Views
Routh’s background further complicates his case. Investigators discovered that he had previously traveled to Ukraine in an attempt to join the fight against Russia but was unsuccessful in his efforts. Additionally, he spent time in Hawaii working in construction. His online postings revealed a history of frustration with Trump. Although he claimed to have voted for Trump in 2016, Routh later became disillusioned with the former president. In his self-published book, Routh even directed a message to Iran, stating, “You are free to assassinate Trump.”
Charges and Court Appearance
Routh currently faces two firearm-related charges, although more serious charges are expected as the investigation continues. He will appear in court for a detention hearing on Monday, where prosecutors will push to keep him in custody, citing the severity of his actions and the potential danger he poses.
Overview
As details continue to emerge about Ryan Wesley Routh’s plan to assassinate Donald Trump, the investigation has raised significant concerns about security for high-profile political figures, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Law enforcement officials are expected to increase security measures around Trump’s future appearances, while the investigation into Routh’s motives and potential connections to other threats remains ongoing.
