Ryan Wesley Routh appeared in federal court on Monday on firearm charges after an apprehension related to a possible assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. The FBI is currently investigating the incident as the second assassination attempt against Trump in two months. Routh did not fire his weapon, and Trump was unharmed. The incident took place at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where a Secret Service agent fired towards Routh after spotting a rifle near the treeline. Routh has been charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and for obliterating the serial number on a firearm.
The Trump campaign blamed Democrats and the media for the incident, stating that their rhetoric led to the assassination attempt. Routh is being held in pretrial detention, and a detention hearing is scheduled for September 23. The FBI is leading the investigation, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state-level investigation as well. Routh has a criminal history and has been involved in activism related to Ukraine’s war against Russia.
Members of Congress have praised the Secret Service’s response to the incident, with plans to potentially provide additional funding to the agency. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned political violence following the incident. Routh currently resides in Hawaii, but his past criminal activities and involvement in international conflicts continue to be under investigation.
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