On September 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a second assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf club in Florida. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old North Carolina roofer turned Ukraine war activist, was arrested on the scene by local law enforcement after reportedly attempting to shoot Trump with an AK-47 assault rifle equipped with a scope. The event has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum as it occurred just months ahead of the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump is the Republican frontrunner.
Ryan Routh, a former construction worker and head of the International Volunteer Center in Ukraine, had traveled to Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022, where he actively supported the war effort against Russia. Routh’s organization connected foreign volunteers with Ukrainian military units, although he himself reportedly did not fight due to his age. Instead, Routh became known for his vocal advocacy on social media, where he called for increased U.S. involvement in Ukraine. His efforts included recruiting volunteers and arranging donations for military aid.
🚨🇺🇸 Absolutely No Bloody Way
The latest Trump would be assassin – Ryan Routh ALSO appeared in a Blackrock Commerical just like Thomas Crooks.
That means BOTH featured in Global Wealth management firm’s Commercial.
THESE ARENT COINCIDIENCES.
They love their symbolism. pic.twitter.com/qgZEWUPRtM
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) September 16, 2024
Law enforcement officials have revealed that Routh, who had a criminal history dating back decades, had long exhibited erratic behavior. His past included felony weapons charges and a 2002 arrest for possessing a weapon of mass destruction. In the years leading up to the assassination attempt, Routh’s political views shifted dramatically. Once a supporter of Trump, Routh became increasingly critical of the former president, frequently posting anti-Trump rhetoric on social media. His recent posts indicated a growing belief that Trump’s policies were undermining democracy and the U.S. response to global crises, including Ukraine.
On the day of the assassination attempt, Routh was found hiding in the bushes near Trump’s golf course, carrying an AK-47 and several other weapons. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots before Secret Service agents swiftly neutralized the threat. Trump, who was playing golf at the time, was rushed to safety and remained unharmed. The FBI has confirmed that this incident was indeed an assassination attempt, the second such attack targeting Trump in recent months. A previous attempt occurred in Pennsylvania in July, where Trump was grazed by a bullet.
Trump’s attempted assassin Ryan Routh was in YouTuber JiDion video in the past.
Confirmed by JiDion. pic.twitter.com/Rc4eWmHlR0
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) September 15, 2024
Routh’s ties to Ukraine have drawn significant media attention, with many questioning whether his activism in the war zone contributed to his radicalization. Reports indicate that Routh gave multiple interviews to international media outlets during his time in Ukraine, where he frequently expressed frustration with both the Ukrainian government and NATO’s perceived inaction. Some experts believe that Routh’s growing disillusionment with U.S. foreign policy may have driven him to target Trump, whom he blamed for failing to adequately support Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Adding to the complexity of Routh’s motivations, his voting records show he participated in the Democratic primaries earlier this year, further highlighting his political shift. However, authorities have yet to release specific details about Routh’s exact motives for the assassination attempt. His social media accounts have been suspended following the incident, and investigators are combing through his online activity for additional clues.
This assassination attempt marks a troubling escalation in the political climate, as threats against prominent political figures have become increasingly frequent. Trump, in a brief statement following the event, expressed gratitude to law enforcement and his security detail, reiterating his commitment to the 2024 race. “We will not be deterred,” he said in a statement, “The American people deserve strong leadership, and I will continue to fight for that”.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how Routh’s time in Ukraine influenced his actions, and whether his ties to foreign volunteer groups played a role in the planning of the attack. For now, Routh remains in federal custody, awaiting charges that could include attempted murder and terrorism.