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Trump Shooter Routh: Details of the 2024 Assassination Attempt

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 21, 2024
In Short

Ryan Wesley Routh was the Trump shooter involved in an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. The Trump shooter Routh used an AK-style rifle in the assassination attempt, which occurred 300-500 yards from Trump. This incident highlighted significant security breaches at the Florida golf course. The apparent assassination attempt by Routh on Trump raised concerns about the former president's safety and the effectiveness of his security detail.

Details of the incident

  • Suspect identity: The Trump shooter has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, age 58
  • Location and date: The Trump assassination attempt in Florida occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump International golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Weapon used: Trump shooter Routh was armed with an AK-47-style rifle
  • Distance from target: Ryan Wesley Routh got as close as 300-500 yards to Trump before being detected
  • Items left behind: Trump shooter Routh left two book bags and a GoPro camera at the scene

Security failures and response

  • Secret Service response: Agents fired 4-6 rounds at Ryan Wesley Routh after spotting the rifle through the fence line
  • Security vulnerabilities: The golf course's proximity to three heavily trafficked roads made it difficult for the Secret Service to fully secure the area during the Trump assassination attempt in Florida
  • Limited security measures: With Trump not a sitting president, the Secret Service had "limited" ability to fully surround the golf course
  • Trump's safety: Trump was rushed to a safe area on the golf course grounds and later confirmed he was "safe and well" following the incident with Trump shooter Routh

Investigation and potential motives

  • FBI investigation: The FBI is conducting a deep dive into Trump shooter Routh's background, examining his social media, travels, and criminal record
  • Possible motive: Authorities are investigating whether Ryan Wesley Routh had grievances related to Ukraine and Trump's position on the issue
  • State investigation: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will conduct its own investigation into the Trump assassination attempt in Florida
  • Breach of protocol: This incident with Trump shooter Routh follows a July 2024 security breach where Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe admitted "complacency" led to a breach of protocol at a Trump rally in Butler, PA
  • Disciplinary process: The Secret Service has a disciplinary process with "robust penalties" that will be administered according to the process
  • Security posture review: The Secret Service is continuing to evaluate its security posture around Trump following recent incidents, including the Trump assassination attempt in Florida

Florida gun laws context

  • Concealed carry: Florida law requires a license to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm, except for law enforcement officers
  • Open carry: It is generally unlawful for any person to openly carry a firearm in Florida, with some exceptions
  • Prohibited locations: Florida law prohibits carrying firearms into certain places, including schools, courthouses, and airports

FAQ

Who is Ryan Wesley Routh and what did he do?

Ryan Wesley Routh is the 58-year-old suspect identified as the Trump shooter involved in an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course on September 15, 2024.

Where and when did the Trump assassination attempt in Florida occur?

The Trump assassination attempt in Florida took place on September 15, 2024, at Trump International golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

How close did Trump shooter Routh get to the former president?

Ryan Wesley Routh reportedly got as close as 300-500 yards to Trump before being detected by Secret Service agents during the assassination attempt.

What weapon was used in the Trump assassination attempt in Florida?

Trump shooter Routh was armed with an AK-47-style rifle during the incident at Trump's Florida golf course.

How did the Secret Service respond to the Trump assassination attempt in Florida?

Secret Service agents fired 4-6 rounds at Ryan Wesley Routh after spotting the rifle through the fence line. Trump was quickly rushed to a safe area on the golf course grounds and later confirmed he was "safe and well" following the incident.