The suspect accused of bringing a firearm to Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, possibly in an attempt on Donald Trump’s life, has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh. The 58-year-old Hawaii resident’s identity was revealed through sources to TMZ, shedding light on his motives and background.
Authorities report that Ryan Wesley Routh was seen carrying an AK-47-style weapon onto the golf course premises. Routh’s social media profiles are filled with posts in support of Ukraine, and he has been vocal about his political views online. He even posted a YouTube video detailing his decision to leave the United States to fight alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia. In recent months, Routh’s online activity has focused on global political issues, particularly Ukraine and Taiwan. According to CNN, he also has a record of previous arrests.
Law enforcement confirmed that Ryan Wesley Routh approached the golf course with the rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera, which raises questions about his intentions. The incident unfolded when a Secret Service agent spotted the weapon through a fence and confronted Routh, preventing any immediate threat. While it’s unclear if Routh fired his weapon, it is known that he fled the scene in an SUV. He was later apprehended by local authorities. As of now, Routh has not been formally charged, but prosecutors anticipate state and federal charges will follow.
According to the FBI, this incident marks a narrow escape for former President Donald Trump. The altercation at the golf course escalated when Secret Service agents opened fire near its boundary. Routh allegedly attempted to hide in the shrubbery before fleeing in a black vehicle. Thanks to witness cooperation, authorities tracked down and detained him. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated at a press conference that Routh is a “potential suspect” in this case.
Ryan Wesley Routh’s background reveals a history of activism and a desire to be involved in global conflicts. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, he has no formal military training but expressed a willingness to engage in combat. He had previously declared on social media his readiness to “fight and die” in Ukraine. In conversations on platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, he advocated for civilians to take action in global conflicts, emphasizing support for human rights, freedom, and democracy. In an interview with The New York Times, Routh mentioned traveling to Ukraine to support the war effort and recruiting Afghan soldiers.
Routh’s past also includes a violent encounter in 2002 when he was arrested for barricading himself inside a building with a fully automatic weapon in Greensboro. The specifics of that case remain unclear, but it indicates a longstanding pattern of confrontational behavior.
Following the recent incident, Donald Trump’s campaign assured the public of his safety. “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity,” stated campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. Trump also reassured his supporters, stating, “Fear not! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!”
This event comes on the heels of another assassination attempt targeting Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. In that incident, the assailant fired a sniper shot that grazed Trump’s ear before being neutralized by authorities. The ongoing threats highlight the heightened security challenges surrounding the former president.