September 16th 2024.
The news of Ryan Wesley Routh being named as the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has shocked many, including one of Routh's associates. The 58-year-old was detained after being spotted with an AK-47-style rifle at the Trump National Golf Club in Florida, where Secret Service agents opened fire upon seeing a muzzle through the venue's fencing.
Routh, a former construction worker living in Hawaii, is known to be a Ukraine activist and has been identified as the suspect in this incident. A person who had met Routh a few times last year in Kyiv expressed their disbelief upon hearing the news, stating, "He seemed like a harmless old man and I would have never thought he could be accused of attempted murder."
It has been reported that Routh was trying to develop strategies to support Ukraine, including Defense through supporting the International Legion and attracting investment from other countries. His social media channels also show him reaching out to celebrities, musicians, politicians, and journalists in an effort to support Ukraine. There are even pictures of him attending rallies in Kyiv, showing his solidarity with the country's fight against Russian military aggression.
In a 2023 interview with the New York Times, Routh shared that he had traveled to Ukraine after the full-scale invasion to recruit military personnel among Afghan soldiers who had escaped the Taliban. He has also attempted to build relationships with North Korea, stating that he wanted to arrange a US tour for supreme leader Kim Jong Un, with the hopes of ending all sanctions and hostilities.
The International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine has stated that Routh has no association with their unit in any capacity. They also mentioned that Routh was trying to bring attention to investment opportunities in Ukraine, but they advised him against making such a big advertisement about it. They stated, "This type of situation wasn't at his level."
According to reports, a Secret Service agent who was a few holes ahead of Trump on the golf course saw a rifle barrel poking through a tree line. They immediately engaged with the gunman and shots were heard before the suspect fled in an SUV and was later arrested by the police. It is not known if the gunman fired the weapon or not.
Trump and his golf partner, Steve Witkoff, have told Fox News that they heard a series of popping sounds while playing on the fifth hole. The former president later spoke with host Sean Hannity, who is a friend of his, and shared that Secret Service agents quickly reacted and covered him for protection. He was then taken away in a car with reinforced steel and other security measures.
The FBI recovered an AK-47-style firearm, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera from a nearby bush. They have labeled the incident as an attempted assassination of former President Trump and are currently investigating it alongside the US Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Trump has reassured the public that he is safe and well, despite the attempted attack. He also stated that nothing will slow him down. This incident comes just two months after Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania, where he sustained an ear injury. As more information continues to emerge, we are learning more about the alleged gunman, Ryan Wesley Routh, and his motives for targeting Donald Trump.
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