On Sunday, law enforcement in West Palm Beach, Florida apprehended 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh in connection with the second failed assassination attempt against former US President Donald Trump.
The suspect was identified by several news outlets like CNN and Fox News.
While Trump was playing golf with American investor Steve Witkoff at the Trump International Golf Club, a Secret Service agent fired shots at a suspect with an AR-style rifle who was hiding 300 to 500 yards away. According to Reuters, the suspect, Ryan, fled in a black Nissan leaving behind his gun, a GoPro camera, and two backpacks. He was subsequently arrested in Martin County on Interstate 95.
According to CNN Correspondent Randi Kaye, who arrived at the scene after the incident had been brought under control, law enforcement reported that Ryan has remained calm and silent since being detained.
The local state attorney informed CNN that the suspect appeared to have prior experience with law enforcement, given that he seemed to know “enough to stay silent.” Public records indicate that Ryan Wesley Routh has been involved in numerous court cases, including civil suits, firearm possession, and tax debt resulting in a government-issued tax lien. However, none of his previous offenses have been as serious as the current situation.
Trump was unharmed, thanks to the swift response of the Secret Service agent accompanying him. The former President expressed his gratitude to the US Secret Service, praising them for an “ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING” job.
He also thanked other law enforcement officials, including Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. This incident comes just two months after Trump’s first assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, where the suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was fatally shot.
Additional information about Ryan Wesley Routh is still emerging. According to the New York Times, he is a strong advocate for Ukraine. It is also known that he is involved in the construction industry and resides in Hawaii.
