In a shocking incident, former President Donald Trump was almost targeted in what authorities are now describing as an attempted assassination on Sunday afternoon in West Palm Beach, Florida. The FBI has confirmed the arrest of 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, who was found with a rifle near Trump’s golf club.
The alarming event unfolded around 1:30 p.m. ET while Trump was on the golf course. It escalated as Routh fled the scene, eventually being apprehended on Interstate 95, mere miles from the incident. This incident comes just two months after Trump was injured in a separate assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Charges Against Routh
Ryan Wesley Routh was presented before a federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday, facing serious charges related to firearms: possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Routh, appearing in a blue prison jumpsuit, outlined his financial struggles to the court, stating he had no savings for a defense. He was ordered to remain in custody pending arraignment on September 30.
Urgent Security Measures in Response
Law enforcement officials reported that Routh had been in the vicinity of the Trump golf course for nearly 12 hours, as indicated by data retrieved from his cellphone. After his apprehension, local prosecutors acted swiftly to ensure he remained in custody in anticipation of further federal charges.
A Rapid Response from the Secret Service
The tense situation was heightened by the swift actions of the Secret Service. An agent on the course spotted the rifle barrel protruding from the fence and immediately engaged Routh, prompting him to flee the area. The weapon was located near holes 5, 6, and 7 of the golf course, an area that offered the suspect a clear view of the course.
Confrontation with Agents
In a remarkable display of readiness, Secret Service personnel opened fire on Routh as he was located near the edge of the property. They fired between four to six rounds at him from a distance, although it remains unclear if he had fired at them in return. Trump was reported as “safe and unharmed” throughout the ordeal.
Recovery of Evidence
Police discovered an SKS-style rifle, backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera situated in the bushes where Routh was hiding. This suggests he may have intended to document the events that unfolded.
Routh’s criminal history is extensive, with a prior conviction involving a weapon of mass destruction. Surprisingly, he was identified as a former Trump supporter and a current advocate for Ukraine against Russian aggression, showcasing a complex and disillusioned political journey.
Officials have emphasized that this incident will likely lead to increased security measures for Trump’s future appearances. The swift and effective response from law enforcement has been commended as critical in preventing potential tragedy.
