The man accused of aiming an AK-47 at former President Donald Trump on a Sunday afternoon is 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, an individual with an extensive criminal history spanning several decades. Authorities apprehended Routh shortly after the incident, which took place at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to law enforcement reports, Secret Service agents fired shots at Routh after spotting the barrel of his AK-47 protruding through a chain-link fence. At the time, the weapon was pointed at a spot just one hole ahead of where Trump was actively playing.
Law enforcement agencies are treating the situation as an apparent assassination attempt on Trump.
A thorough background check revealed that Routh, who currently resides in Hawaii, has had a long history of encounters with law enforcement dating back to the 1990s. Routh’s roots trace back to North Carolina, where he accumulated a series of arrests over the years. His offenses range from minor drug possession to more significant violations such as driving without a license, failing to maintain proper vehicle inspections, and operating a vehicle without insurance.
One particularly notable incident took place in 2002 when Routh became involved in a standoff with law enforcement in Greensboro, North Carolina. The confrontation occurred after a traffic stop during which he allegedly placed his hand on a firearm before fleeing the scene. The incident escalated when Routh barricaded himself inside his roofing company’s office, leading to a tense three-hour standoff with police before his eventual arrest. This event was widely reported by the Greensboro News & Record at the time.
Routh’s extensive criminal background, along with his recent actions, has heightened concerns surrounding his intent in the latest incident involving the former president. Authorities are continuing to investigate his motivations and connections as they treat the episode with the seriousness of a potential assassination plot.
Trump Unharmed Following ‘Nearby Gunfire,’ Campaign Reports
Records show that Ryan Wesley Routh relocated to Hawaii in 2017, where he established a new construction business aimed at building affordable housing for the homeless. This information is supported by a LinkedIn profile that is believed to belong to Routh.
In the wake of the incident at Trump International Golf Club, one official remarked, “This does not appear to be some random individual with an AK-47 near Trump’s club.” The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, shortly before former President Donald Trump was safely escorted away from the golf course.
The situation unfolded when a Secret Service agent noticed Routh near the course’s sixth hole while Trump was playing on the fifth. According to officials, Routh had abandoned an AK-47, a GoPro camera, and two backpacks along a chain-link fence that separated the golf course from the surrounding area.
After spotting the would-be attacker, a Secret Service agent fired at Routh, prompting him to flee in an SUV. However, authorities quickly apprehended him after a brief pursuit.
In response to the event, Trump’s campaign swiftly released a statement assuring the public that the former president was unharmed. Shortly after, Trump sent a message to his supporters, reinforcing his resolve: “I will never surrender.”
TV5s News reporter Lucas Tomlinson confirmed that Secret Service agents had opened fire after observing Routh raise an AK-47. Though Routh managed to escape temporarily, he was arrested shortly thereafter, officials said.
Following the incident, Trump shared a message on social media, clarifying the situation: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors get out of control, I wanted you to hear it from me: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”
Trump continued, reaffirming his determination: “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for your support. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you.”
