Summary
Accused Trump gunman Ryan Wesley Routh’s sniper ambush attempt involved setting up a sniper’s nest near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he allegedly hid for nearly 12 hours before being discovered by Secret Service agents. Routh, armed with a loaded SKS-style rifle, was apprehended after fleeing the scene, where former President Trump was golfing at the time.
Routh’s actions have drawn significant attention due to his criminal history and previous threats. He was convicted in 2002 for possessing a weapon of mass destruction and had multiple run-ins with law enforcement, including a 2010 conviction for possession of stolen goods. Prior to the ambush attempt, there were several warnings to federal agencies regarding Routh’s behavior, including tips about his possession of firearms and erratic actions while attempting to recruit foreign fighters in Ukraine. Despite these warnings, Routh was not adequately scrutinized by authorities, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the responses from agencies like the FBI and Customs and Border Protection.
Background on Ryan Wesley Routh
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Criminal History: Routh has a lengthy criminal record, including felony convictions for weapons offenses and theft. His past includes a standoff with police involving a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction.”
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Recent Events: Routh’s ambush attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, when he was spotted by Secret Service agents while Trump was golfing nearby. A digital camera and his rifle were found in the sniper’s nest, raising concerns about his intentions.
Warnings Ignored
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Previous Alerts: Multiple tips about Routh’s troubling behavior were reported to various U.S. agencies, including the FBI and State Department. These reports highlighted his aggressive demeanor and threats he made while in Ukraine, where he sought to recruit fighters.
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Lack of Action: Despite these warnings, federal agencies did not take significant action to investigate or monitor Routh, which has led to criticism regarding their ability to handle potential threats effectively.
Family Issues
- Son’s Arrest: Compounding the situation, Routh’s son, Oran Routh, was arrested shortly after the ambush attempt on charges related to child pornography. This incident further highlights the troubling dynamics within Routh’s family and the legal issues surrounding them.
The situation surrounding Ryan Wesley Routh raises serious questions about the adequacy of federal responses to reported threats and the implications of his actions on national security.
‘Ticking time bomb’: Those who raised suspicions about Trump suspect question if enough was done
Sep. 21 / Abc News / Offers a comprehensive overview of the warnings ignored by federal agencies regarding Ryan Routh, highlighting multiple tips and the lack of follow-up. The detailed accounts from witnesses provide unique insights into Routh's troubling behavior. “ The more Chelsea Walsh talked to the eccentric fellow American who seemed to pop up in every square and cobblestone street of Ukraine’s capital, the more she...
Disturbing Details Emerge About Ryan Routh's Son and Child Porn Charges
Sep. 24 / Newsweek / Highlights the troubling arrest of Ryan Routh's son for child pornography, adding depth to the family's legal issues. It effectively connects this incident with Ryan's assassination attempt, providing a broader context. “ The son of , the suspect in an apparent assassination attempt on former president , was arrested on federal charges of possessing child sexual abuse images....
Sep. 16 / New York Post / Offers a detailed account of Routh's sniper ambush attempt, including the timeline and evidence found. The article effectively highlights his criminal history and raises questions about federal agency responses, contributing valuable context. “ Ryan Wesley Routh, the alleged would-be Trump assassin , set up a sniper’s nest near the former President’s golf course and hid there for nearly 12 hours...