A man was arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday afternoon for allegedly aiming an AK-47 at former President Trump while he was golfing. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has a history of posting prolifically on social media about world events and politics, with at least 100 run-ins with police according to public records. Despite the incident, Trump was unharmed and safely escorted away from the area.
Routh, who currently resides in Hawaii but spent most of his life in North Carolina working in construction, has a background check that reveals his past involvement with a company called United Roofing. Fox News Digital examined Routh’s social media accounts and found frequent posts about Trump, the war in Ukraine, the 2020 election, and other global issues.
In one of his social media bios, Routh expressed gratitude for being born in America and emphasized the importance of making the most of freedom and opportunities. He also made statements regarding political figures like Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris, criticizing Trump and calling for compassion and humanity in leadership.
Routh’s online presence also reflected his changing opinions over the years, from initially supporting Trump in the 2016 election to becoming disillusioned with his presidency by 2020. Additionally, he made several posts related to the conflict in Ukraine, expressing a willingness to fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin and even claiming to be in Kyiv at one point.
Furthermore, Routh’s involvement in volunteer efforts in Ukraine was highlighted in an article by The New York Times, which mentioned his attempts to recruit Afghan soldiers to fight in Ukraine. Despite his activism, Routh has had numerous encounters with law enforcement in North Carolina, primarily for minor offenses such as driving violations and possession charges.
The incident at the golf club in Florida was described by the FBI as an attempted assassination of former President Trump. Routh was armed with an AK-47 and managed to push the muzzle of the gun through the chainlink fence before being apprehended by authorities. Secret Service agents fired at Routh, who then fled but was eventually caught and arrested.
Trump reassured the public of his safety following the incident, emphasizing his resilience and determination. This event comes after a previous assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he sustained an injury to his ear while a rally attendee was fatally shot.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, it is crucial to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of all political figures and individuals involved in the electoral process. Stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive interviews at our Fox News Digital election hub.