The man suspected of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump did not have a clear shot at the former president before being apprehended by a Secret Service agent, according to the sheriff of Palm Beach County, Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was lying in wait at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach while Trump played golf. The gunman would have needed Trump to turn and face his direction before having a clear shot at him. The agent spotted what seemed to be a rifle poking out of the tree line and opened fire, causing Routh to flee.
Law enforcement officials were able to catch up to Routh after a brief chase on Interstate 95. He was charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Routh was seen smiling during his federal court appearance in West Palm Beach and remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing on September 23rd. Investigators tracked a phone number associated with Routh to the area along the course where he was lying in wait.
Sheriff Bradshaw initially suggested that if Trump had been a sitting president, he would have had more robust security, leading to some controversy. However, he later clarified that Trump was not a sitting president and that necessary resources were deployed to protect him during the incident. Law enforcement is now investigating Routh’s movements prior to arriving at the golf course, as his last place of residence was in Hawaii. They are looking into his flight schedules and any potential travel plans leading up to the assassination attempt.
Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe visited the scene at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach and was expected to meet with the former president. Trump expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service and Sheriff Bradshaw’s office for their efforts in protecting him during the ordeal. The quick action of the agent and law enforcement prevented Routh from getting a shot off at Trump. Despite initial concerns about security measures, officials confirmed that the system worked to ensure Trump’s safety during the incident. Routh’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 23rd.
