Explee LogoExplee Logo

Ryan Wesley Routh: Background, Criminal History, and Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 21, 2024
In Short

Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for an alleged Routh Trump assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. The 58-year-old former Trump supporter turned critic had an extensive Ryan Routh criminal history, mental health issues, and involvement in Ukraine-related activism. Routh's arrest was related to his alleged plan to assassinate the former president at a golf course in Florida.

Background and criminal history

  • Extensive criminal record: Ryan Wesley Routh had been arrested over 100 times since 1998, with charges including:

    • Carrying a concealed weapon
    • Possession of a weapon of mass destruction (fully automatic machine gun)
    • Resisting arrest
    • Delaying and obstructing law enforcement
  • Mental health concerns: Routh was considered a "100 percent mental case" by law enforcement due to:

    • History of criminal and mental issues in Guilford County
    • 2002 standoff where he barricaded himself with a firearm
  • Early recognition: In 1991, Ryan Wesley Routh was hailed as a "super citizen" for fighting a suspected rapist, earning a "Law Enforcement Oscar"

Political views and activism

  • Shift in political stance:

    • Initially a Trump supporter, voting for him in 2016
    • Later became a critic, describing Trump as a "fool" and "buffoon" in his 2023 book
  • Ukraine support:

    • Traveled to Kyiv in 2022 to promote foreign fighters for Ukraine
    • Wrote a book titled "Ukraine's Unwinnable War" in 2023
  • Diverse political donations: Made nearly 20 donations to ActBlue between September 2019 and March 2020

The alleged assassination attempt

  • Incident details:

    • The Routh Trump assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump's Florida golf course
    • Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly pointed a semiautomatic rifle at Trump
    • Secret Service intervened, shooting at Routh, who fled without firing
  • Charges:

    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    • Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
    • Facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted

Ukraine and Afghanistan connections

  • Recruitment claims:

    • Ryan Wesley Routh claimed to have recruited for Ukraine's International Legion Defense of Ukraine
    • Alleged to have a list of 6,000 Afghan citizens for recruitment
  • Credibility issues: Branded as "delusional" and a "liar" by a former International Legion recruiter

FAQ

Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?

Ryan Wesley Routh is a 58-year-old man with an extensive criminal history who was arrested for an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. He is a former Trump supporter turned critic with a history of mental health issues and involvement in Ukraine-related activism.

What was the Routh Trump assassination attempt?

The Routh Trump assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump's Florida golf course. Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly pointed a semiautomatic rifle at Trump, prompting Secret Service intervention. Routh fled without firing after being shot at by Secret Service agents.

What is Ryan Routh's criminal history?

Ryan Routh's criminal history is extensive, with over 100 arrests since 1998. His charges include carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon of mass destruction (fully automatic machine gun), resisting arrest, and delaying and obstructing law enforcement. He was also involved in a 2002 standoff where he barricaded himself with a firearm.

What charges does Ryan Wesley Routh face for the alleged assassination attempt?

For the alleged assassination attempt, Ryan Wesley Routh faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

What was Ryan Wesley Routh's involvement with Ukraine?

Ryan Wesley Routh claimed to have recruited for Ukraine's International Legion Defense of Ukraine and traveled to Kyiv in 2022 to promote foreign fighters for Ukraine. He also wrote a book titled "Ukraine's Unwinnable War" in 2023. However, his credibility has been questioned, with a former International Legion recruiter branding him as "delusional" and a "liar."