In West Palm Beach, Florida, a man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump faced federal gun charges in court on Monday. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared before a judge for possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction and having a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The investigation is ongoing, and more serious charges may be added as the Justice Department seeks an indictment from a grand jury.
Routh, shackled and dressed in a blue jumpsuit, smiled as he spoke with a public defender during the brief court appearance. He was arrested after authorities spotted a firearm on the golf course where Trump was playing. Prosecutors requested that he be detained, citing concerns about him being a flight risk, and additional hearings were scheduled for later in the month.
Although authorities have not disclosed a motive, Routh’s online presence revealed his changing political views and strong feelings about global events. In a self-published book from 2023, he suggested that it was permissible to assassinate Trump. Routh also expressed regret for voting for Trump and criticized his actions, including the Capitol riots and leaving the Iran nuclear deal.
According to court records, Routh has a history of felony convictions, including charges related to stolen goods in 2002 in North Carolina. In court, he mentioned his monthly income of around $3,000, while stating that he had no significant savings, real estate, or assets apart from two trucks valued at approximately $1,000 in Hawaii. He also disclosed having a 25-year-old son whom he occasionally supports.
During the incident at the golf course, Secret Service agents noticed the muzzle of a rifle protruding from shrubbery near where Trump was playing. An agent fired at Routh, who dropped the rifle and fled in a vehicle, leaving behind the firearm, two backpacks, an aiming scope, and a GoPro camera. Routh was apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county shortly after.
This incident marked the second known attempt to harm Trump within a few months, following a previous incident where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally. Subsequently, Democratic President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, leading to Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the party’s nominee.
