Man Accused of Assassination Attempt on Trump Charged with Federal Gun Crimes

[Social Media]

 

Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been charged with federal gun crimes. The charges include possessing a firearm despite a previous felony conviction and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. These charges come as Routh made his first court appearance in West Palm Beach, Florida, adding more tension to an already charged White House race.

 

Watch Arrest

🚨BREAKING: The Martin County Sheriff has just released bodycam footage of the arrest of would-be Trump assassin and Democrat donor, Ryan Wesley Routh. pic.twitter.com/L3YrvALEWl

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 16, 2024

 

Authorities say Routh had been camped outside Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours before a Secret Service agent confronted him. The Secret Service had spotted the rifle muzzle sticking out from shrubbery near the course where Trump was playing. The agent opened fire, but Routh fled, leaving behind a loaded SKS-style rifle with its serial number erased, as well as a digital camera, food, and a scope.

 

Routh was arrested about 45 minutes later on Interstate 95, still in Martin County, which neighbors Palm Beach County. During his arrest, body camera footage showed him remaining calm and emotionless. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder noted, "He never asked, ‘What is this about?’... He never questioned it."

 

In court, Routh appeared shackled and in a blue jumpsuit, answering routine questions about his employment and income. His public defender declined to comment on the case after the hearing. Prosecutors have requested that Routh be detained as a flight risk, and additional hearings are scheduled.

 

An affidavit from the FBI details how they used Routh’s cellphone data to place him at the golf course for over 12 hours, beginning around 1:59 a.m. Sunday. Further investigation revealed a plastic bag with food, a loaded rifle, and a camera in the area where Routh had positioned himself. When stopped by law enforcement, Routh reportedly admitted knowing why he was being detained.

 

Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. stated that while Routh had a loaded rifle, he "did not have a line of sight to the former president" and did not fire at the agents before fleeing. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe confirmed that Routh, due to prior convictions, was prohibited from owning a firearm.

 

Routh’s past includes multiple felony convictions, including two charges for possessing stolen goods in 2002 in North Carolina. Court records also revealed that Routh has written extensively about world events, expressing extreme political views. In a 2023 self-published book titled *Ukraine’s Unwinnable War*, Routh criticized Trump, calling him a “fool” and a “buffoon” for his handling of the Iran nuclear deal and the January 6 Capitol riots. He even wrote, "You are free to assassinate Trump." 

 

In court, Routh stated that he was making around $3,000 a month with no savings or assets apart from two trucks in Hawaii. He also mentioned supporting his 25-year-old son occasionally. If convicted, Routh could face significant penalties. The charge for a convicted felon in possession of a firearm carries a possible 15-year sentence, while possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number could add another five years.

 

The investigation into the case is still in its early stages, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews. "Together we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure accountability," said U.S. Attorney Lapointe.

 

Credit: NBC 2024-09-17

 

 

 

[Tug]

That dude is in some serious do do yeiks!guess he got in trouble for modifying a semi automatic rifle into a full automatic that’s a no no unless you buy the Supreme Court approved bump stock naughty boy…..

[impulse]

Dang man.  Just 58 years old?  The guy is rough.  Appropriate that they put him in a blue jumpsuit.

 

[HappyExpat57]

Both assassination attempts in red states. Hmmmm . . .

[AndreasHG]

At present, it seems as if every man seen carrying a weapon in the vicinity of Donald Trump is automatically regarded as an assassin.

Does anyone know?

Is the Second Amendment always suspended in Donald Trump's proximity?

Is the Second Amendment still strictly enforced only in American schools and daycares?

 

Edited September 18 by AndreasHG

[riclag]

The Governor  has asked his AG to launch an investigation as well.I have more faith in Fla probe as opposed to Wrays bunch ,when it comes to details becoming available in a timely fashion.Imop

 

DeSantis says Florida launching criminal probe into apparent Trump assassination attempt

 

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/desantis-speaks-in-west-palm-beach-after-apparent-assassination-attempt-on-trump/3419473/

 

Edited September 18 by riclag

[Chomper Higgot]

16 minutes ago, riclag said:

The Governor  has asked his AG to launch an investigation as well.I have more faith in Fla probe as opposed to Wrays bunch ,when it comes to details becoming available in a timely fashion.Imop

 

DeSantis says Florida launching criminal probe into apparent Trump assassination attempt

 

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/desantis-speaks-in-west-palm-beach-after-apparent-assassination-attempt-on-trump/3419473/

 

DeSantis will have to wait, the FBI have jurisdiction.