Who is Ryan Wesley Routh arrested for allegedly pointing AK-47 at Donald Trump during golf outing?

New Delhi: Ryan Wesley Routh has been arrested for allegedly pointing an AK-47 at former President Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to law enforcement sources. The incident, which took place on September 16, is the second assassination attempt on Trump this year, following an earlier close call in Pennsylvania. Trump, who was playing at Trump International Golf Club, is reported to be "safe" after the incident.

Tactics used by Routh

Authorities revealed that Routh, armed with a scoped AK-47 rifle, managed to get within 300-500 yards of the former president while attempting to remain hidden near a chain-link fence. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted that with such a rifle and scope, "that is not a long distance," underscoring the seriousness of the threat.

Secret Service agents spotted Routh as he pointed the rifle towards Trump and fired at him. Although Routh initially escaped, he was later apprehended by local police on I-95. His arrest has raised significant concern due to his social media presence, where he frequently voiced support for left-wing causes and shared a "do-gooder" image.

NEW: Suspected would-be Trump assas*in was previously interviewed by Newsweek Romania, started crying during the interview as he begged people to "come fight."

Ryan Routh was arrested after an assas*ination attempt on Donald Trump.

In the video, Routh explained that he… pic.twitter.com/HsoexjL1yW

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 15, 2024

Political history of Routh

Ryan Wesley Routh, originally hailing from Hawaii, has garnered attention not only for his arrest but also for his politically diverse history. As the owner of Camp Box Honolulu, a small business specializing in shed-building, Routh has maintained a modest profile, but his political activities have drawn interest in light of recent events.

His records show a history of making small financial contributions to Democratic candidates, including former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard. Known for her independent streak and break from the Democratic Party, Gabbard, once a rising star among progressives, has since aligned more closely with conservative and independent platforms.

In response to the incident, Trump released a statement to his supporters, saying, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

Again folks!

SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

An AK-47 was discovered in the bushes, per local law enforcement. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe.

A suspect has reportedly been apprehended. pic.twitter.com/FwRfrO3v6y

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 15, 2024