A North Carolina man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump spent nearly 12 hours hiding in the bushes near Trump's Florida golf course, according to court documents.
Fox News reports that Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in question, arrived at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach around 2 a.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Routh remained concealed in the brush along the edge of the golf course until approximately 1:30 p.m. when a U.S. Secret Service agent spotted him allegedly aiming an SKS-style rifle through the fence. The agent promptly opened fire, though no injuries were reported in the incident.
Court documents indicate that Routh's phone records placed him in the vicinity of the golf course at 1:59 a.m. on the day of the incident. These records also show that he fled the area around the same time that emergency dispatchers received reports of shots fired.
The timeline provided by prosecutors suggests that Routh spent over 11 hours lying in wait before being discovered. This prolonged period of concealment raises questions about the suspect's preparation and determination to carry out the alleged assassination attempt. Authorities were able to track Routh's movements through his cell phone pings, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
The incident came to a head when a Secret Service agent, who was part of Trump's security detail, noticed something suspicious while patrolling the perimeter of the golf course. According to the probable cause affidavit, the agent "saw what appeared to be a rifle poking out of the tree line."
Acting swiftly, the agent opened fire, prompting the suspect to flee. A witness observed a male individual, later identified as Routh, escaping into a Nissan SUV and speeding away from the scene. The quick reaction of the Secret Service agent likely prevented a potentially catastrophic situation. The incident underscores the constant vigilance required by security personnel protecting high-profile individuals like former presidents.
Following the thwarted attempt, law enforcement agencies quickly mobilized to apprehend the suspect. Deputies from both the Palm Beach and Martin County sheriff's offices intercepted Routh's vehicle, a black Nissan SUV, on Interstate 95.
When questioned about the reason for the traffic stop, Routh allegedly "responded in the affirmative," suggesting he was aware of his actions. Interestingly, deputies noted that the license plate on Routh's Nissan was registered to a stolen Ford truck, adding another layer to the investigation.
At the golf course, police recovered several pieces of evidence, including a loaded SKS-style rifle equipped with a scope. The firearm's serial number had been removed, which is a federal offense. Additionally, two bags were found, one containing food, along with a digital video camera.
Routh's background reveals a complex picture. He reportedly claimed on social media to have been a Trump supporter in 2016 before changing his political stance. More recently, he had become an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a self-published book titled "Ukraine's Unwinnable War," Routh allegedly wrote a passage directed at Iran, stating, "You are free to assassinate Trump." Routh's apparent shift in political views and his public statements about assassinating the former president raises questions about radicalization and the potential dangers of extreme political rhetoric.
Ryan Wesley Routh now faces serious federal charges following his alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He spent nearly 12 hours hiding near Trump's golf course before being discovered by a Secret Service agent. The suspect fled but was quickly apprehended on Interstate 95. Evidence recovered at the scene included a loaded rifle with its serial number removed. Routh could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on all current charges, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
