5 Key Insights on Ryan Wesley Routh, suspect in 2nd Trump assassination attempt

Written by Stefan van der Berg

Some two months after he survived an assassination attempt on his life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, authorities have arrested a man identified as Ryan Wesley Routh in connection with what the FBI described as another apparent “attempted assassination” on the life of former President and Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

Routh, a 58-year-old staunch supporter of Ukraine, appeared in court on Monday on two gun-related charges: Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

He is originally from North Carolina but has recently resided in Hawaii. Although he voted for Trump in 2016, Routh later became disillusioned and shifted his support to various other politicians.

Here are some key insights about him.

Early Criminal Activities

Routh's criminal history is extensive, beginning with his first arrest in 1998 and court records show more than 100 criminal counts have been filed against him in North Carolina.

His record includes traffic violations and possession of stolen goods. A notable arrest in 2002 for having a machine gun, classified as "possession of weapons of mass destruction," highlights his deep involvement in criminal activities.

Alleged Plot Against a Former President

Allegations against Routh have escalated significantly, as he attempted to assassinate former President Trump on September 15, 2024. The charges against him include possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

He is suspected of going to the Trump International Golf Course in Florida on Sunday, armed with an SKS-style rifle. The FBI recovered the weapon and scope, two backpacks and a GoPro camera from an area heavy with bush cover.

Law enforcement allege that Routh fled the area when a Secret Service agent fired in his direction after spotting a rifle barrel poking out of the bushes.

He is not believed to have fired his own weapon during the incident and is not believed to have had a clear line of sight to Trump at any point. Routh was stopped on Interstate 95, a major highway, and arrested.

The car, a Nissan SUV, was later determined to have number plates which belonged to a 2012 Ford which had been reported as stolen.

Social Media Activity and Ideological Extremism

Ryan Wesley Routh's social media activity, as identified by BBC Verify, reveals a pattern of promoting efforts to send foreign fighters to Ukraine to combat Russian forces. Despite his enthusiasm, Routh primarily organized these efforts from the U.S. and was denied entry into Ukraine's International Legion in 2022 due to his lack of combat experience. The FBI is actively investigating his connections to Ukraine, having issued multiple requests for information from his phone and social media accounts.

Routh's online profiles also reflect a diverse range of ideological beliefs, including pro-Palestinian, pro-Taiwan, and anti-China messages. He has made allegations of Chinese "biological warfare" and referred to COVID-19 as an "attack." In a 2020 post on X (formerly Twitter), Routh expressed regret about voting for Trump in 2016, stating he would be glad when Trump was gone. Additionally, he urged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to meet with the victims of an attempted assassination on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, through his online posts.

Rejection in Ukraine

Ryan Wesley Routh spent months in Ukraine working to bring foreign fighters to the country.

His time in Ukraine was marked by confusion and rejection. He referred to himself as a "volunteer coordinator" but ultimately failed to join any combat efforts. The International Legion denied any association with Routh, describing him as disruptive. A legion volunteer informed the BBC that Routh arrived in Ukraine in April 2022, but his activities caused more chaos than assistance, as he attempted to act as an unofficial leader for volunteers.

In 2023, Routh told The New York Times that he aimed to enlist Afghan soldiers who had escaped from the Taliban. In a July Facebook post, he advised soldiers not to contact him while he awaited Ukraine’s acceptance of Afghan recruits. Routh also self-published a book in February 2023, in which he complained about the lack of appreciation for his efforts in Ukraine, detailing five months spent on projects like a drone-building program that he claimed either failed or were shut down by authorities. Controversially, the book included encouragement for Iranian officials to assassinate Trump.

Family Perspective

Routh's eldest son, Oran, described his father as "a loving and caring father, and an honest, hardworking man" in an interview with CNN. He expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating, "I don't know what's happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion. The accusations don't match the man I know."

The FBI is now seeking interviews with Routh's friends and family, including those in North Carolina and Hawaii.

Conclusion

Ryan Wesley Routh is a complex figure with a tumultuous history of criminal activities and controversial political views. As the FBI continues its investigation, the unfolding details will shed more light on the motivations and implications of his actions. A hearing is scheduled for next Monday to determine whether he should remain in custody. Prosecutors say he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.

From a Christian Perspective

The life and actions of Ryan Wesley Routh offer a sobering reminder of the truths of redemption and forgiveness central to our faith. While his extensive criminal history and troubling recent allegations paint a picture of a man deeply entrenched in unlawful behavior, but that Christ's redemptive power offers a path of redemption and forgiveness.