Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man residing in Hawaii but originally from North Carolina, was arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, after allegedly pushing the muzzle of an AK-47 through a chainlink fence where Trump was golfing. Routh had a history of more than 100 run-ins with police, as public records show, and heavily engaged in social media posts about world events and politics. His social media accounts indicate that he originally supported Trump in the 2016 election but grew critical of his actions over time, particularly during the 2020 election. Routh also expressed support for Bernie Sanders and Vice President Kamala Harris while condemning Trump’s lack of compassion in certain situations.
Routh’s social media activity also revealed his strong stance on the war in Ukraine, with posts indicating his readiness to travel there to fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He even claimed to be in Kyiv at one point in support of Ukraine. Additionally, New York Times published an article last year featuring a man named Ryan Routh who was described as a former construction worker from North Carolina seeking Afghan soldier recruits who fled the Taliban to fight in Ukraine. Routh also had numerous encounters with law enforcement in North Carolina, with arrests for various infractions including simple possession, driving without a license, and carrying a concealed weapon.
A background check revealed that Routh had faced a significant incident in 2002, where he barricaded himself in the office of his company, United Roofing, during a three-hour standoff with police. This incident led to his arrest on charges including carrying a concealed weapon, resisting law enforcement, and driving with a revoked license. Despite his tumultuous past, Routh is currently the owner of a construction company called “Camp Box Honolulu” in Hawaii, which focuses on building affordable housing structures to assist the homeless population in the area. Routh expressed a desire for collaborative opportunities that aim to bring about positive change in society.
The recent arrest of Routh outside the Trump golf club has been described by the FBI as an attempted assassination of former President Trump. Armed with an AK-47, Routh was located about 300 to 500 yards from Trump when Secret Service personnel spotted him and opened fire. Routh attempted to flee but was eventually apprehended by authorities. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed during the incident and assured the public of his safety. This event comes after a previous assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he sustained an injury to his ear while a rally-goer was fatally shot and others injured. Trump’s campaign message following the incident reiterated his determination and resilience in the face of such threats.
Overall, Ryan Wesley Routh’s arrest at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida sheds light on his complex history, ranging from social media activism to past encounters with law enforcement. His support for various political figures and causes, along with his involvement in the war in Ukraine, indicate deep-seated beliefs that culminated in an alleged attempt to harm the former President. Despite his troubled past, Routh’s current focus on community improvement projects through his construction company in Hawaii demonstrates a desire for positive change and societal impact.
