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Trump Assassination Attempt 9/15: Details of the Florida Golf Course Attack

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 21, 2024
In Short

On September 15, 2024, a Trump assassination attempt occurred at his Florida golf course. The Trump assassination attempt on 9/15 involved Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from North Carolina, who tried to shoot the former President in what is now known as the September 15 Trump shooting. The FBI is investigating the incident, which was motivated by Routh's frustration with U.S. policy on the war in Ukraine.

Details of the Trump assassination attempt 9/15

  • Suspect and motive: Ryan Wesley Routh, 58 years old from North Carolina, attempted to assassinate Donald Trump during the Florida golf course Trump attack, motivated by frustration with U.S. policy on the Ukraine war

  • Location and timing: The September 15 Trump shooting occurred at Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 15, 2024

  • Suspect's background:

    • Routh, the perpetrator of the Trump assassination attempt 9/15, previously spoke about recruiting Afghan soldiers to fight in Ukraine
    • He was identified as the head of the International Volunteer Center (IVC) in Ukraine, though the organization denied any connection
    • Routh had been arrested eight times before, mostly for minor offenses
    • He was convicted in 2002 of possessing a weapon of mass destruction
  • Political affiliations:

    • Routh contributed over $140 to Democratic presidential hopefuls between 2019-2020
    • He once voted for Trump but later called him a "fool" and "buffoon" in his self-published book
  • Incident details of the Florida golf course Trump attack:

    • A Secret Service agent spotted Routh's rifle through the fence and opened fire
    • Routh abandoned the weapon and escaped in a Nissan SUV
    • He was apprehended in a nearby county without a weapon
  • Evidence recovered from the September 15 Trump shooting:

    • A digital camera, loaded SKS-style rifle with scope, and food were found where Routh was standing
    • Cellphone data placed Routh at the tree line of the golf course from 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m. on September 15

Charges and potential consequences for the Trump assassination attempt 9/15

  • Federal charges:
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (up to 15 years in prison)
    • Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number (up to 5 years in prison)

Aftermath and reactions to the Florida golf course Trump attack

  • Trump's response:

    • Trump informed supporters via email that he was safe and well
    • His campaign asked staffers to remain vigilant
  • Political reactions:

    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a thorough investigation of the September 15 Trump shooting
    • Trump's running mate JD Vance reported Trump was in good spirits following the Trump assassination attempt 9/15

Security concerns after the Trump assassination attempt 9/15

  • Secret Service scrutiny:
    • The Florida golf course Trump attack raised questions about Secret Service security measures, especially following a previous shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign event in July
    • The Secret Service is currently responsible for protecting 40 people, including current and former presidents, their families, and running mates

FAQ

What happened during the Trump assassination attempt on 9/15?

On September 15, 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh attempted to shoot former President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident, known as the September 15 Trump shooting, was thwarted when a Secret Service agent spotted Routh's rifle through the fence and opened fire.

Who was responsible for the Florida golf course Trump attack?

Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from North Carolina, was identified as the perpetrator of the Trump assassination attempt on 9/15. Routh had a history of arrests and was previously convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction.

What was the motive behind the September 15 Trump shooting?

The FBI investigation revealed that Routh's motive for the Trump assassination attempt on 9/15 was frustration with U.S. policy on the war in Ukraine. Routh had previously spoken about recruiting Afghan soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

How was the Florida golf course Trump attack prevented?

The attack was prevented when a Secret Service agent spotted Routh's rifle through the fence and opened fire. Routh abandoned his weapon and fled in a Nissan SUV but was later apprehended in a nearby county without a weapon.

What were the consequences for the perpetrator of the Trump assassination attempt on 9/15?

Routh faces federal charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (up to 15 years in prison) and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number (up to 5 years in prison). The incident also raised questions about Secret Service security measures for protecting current and former presidents.