United States: Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old suspect, appeared in a Florida court after being arrested for allegedly planning an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. The chilling details came to light through court filings, which included a letter written by Routh months prior, offering $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job” after his failed attempt to assassinate Trump. The letter, addressed to “The World,” expressed remorse for failing but urged others to carry on with the plan.
Routh was arrested on September 15 near Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, after a Secret Service agent spotted him with a rifle concealed in the tree line. The suspect reportedly fled the scene before being apprehended. Prosecutors charged him with two firearms offenses, including possession of a weapon with a scratched-off serial number, and announced they would pursue an additional charge of attempted assassination, which could result in a life sentence if convicted.
Further investigation revealed that Routh had been surveilling Trump’s golf course for weeks before the incident. He had even driven by Trump’s home in the weeks leading up to the attempt. In his letter, Routh criticized Trump, whom he had initially supported in 2016, but later deemed unfit to be president. He cited his disappointment with Trump’s leadership and claimed that the former president lacked moral integrity.
Trump, in response, criticized the Department of Justice and the FBI for allegedly downplaying the incident and called for the case to be transferred to Florida state authorities. Detectives suspect Routh may have been waiting on the course for up to 12 hours, preparing to strike. This marked the second known assassination attempt against Trump in recent months, following an earlier, unconnected incident at a rally in Pennsylvania.
