Law enforcement officials have released bodycam footage showing the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
According to Daily Mail, the video depicts Routh, 58, being apprehended by police on a road approximately 50 miles from the scene of the alleged attempt.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 15, 2024, while Trump was playing golf near West Palm Beach, Florida. Officers can be heard instructing Routh to take steps backward and keep his hands visible as they approach him. The suspect, wearing an orange t-shirt and dark sunglasses, appears calm during the arrest.
Authorities report that Routh allegedly pointed a rifle through a fence at Trump while the former president was golfing. The incident prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and Secret Service agents, who quickly moved Trump to safety. Fortunately, the 78-year-old former president was unharmed in the incident.
A witness reportedly saw Routh fleeing the scene in a stolen black Nissan SUV and provided the license plate information to police. This tip led to Routh's arrest about an hour after the alleged attempt.
New information suggests that Routh may have been staking out the location for up to 12 hours before the incident occurred. Criminal charging documents indicate that he was present near the golf course from 1:59 a.m. until 1:31 p.m. on Sunday, when he fled the scene.
Routh made his first court appearance on Monday, September 16, at the Paul G. Rogers Federal Courthouse. During the brief eight-minute hearing, he was charged with two federal crimes: possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The suspect appeared in court wearing black prison scrubs, with his hands and feet shackled. During the proceedings, Routh provided routine information to court officials, speaking in a soft voice.
He disclosed that he earns approximately $3,000 per month and has no significant savings or assets beyond two trucks located in Hawaii, which he claims are worth about $1,000 each. Routh also mentioned that he occasionally provides financial support to his 25-year-old son.
This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on Trump in less than two months. In late July 2024, the former president was reportedly shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The frequency of these attempts has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for violence in the current political climate. Law enforcement agencies are likely to review and enhance security protocols for high-profile individuals in light of these events.
Secret Service officials have not yet commented on any potential changes to their protection strategies for Trump or other former presidents. However, it is expected that they will conduct a thorough review of the incident to identify any security gaps or areas for improvement.
Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a golf course near West Palm Beach. Bodycam footage shows Routh's calm demeanor during the arrest. He faces federal charges related to firearm possession. This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in recent months, raising concerns about political figure safety.
