Crime
Photo show suspect and backpack with firearm on a fence near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh.
UPDATE: West Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw announced that a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel protruding through a fence near former President Donald Trump’s residence.
The agent immediately engaged the suspect.
A nearby witness later saw the suspect fleeing the scene and captured a photo of the suspect’s vehicle.
According to Bradshaw, the incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday when local authorities were alerted to gunfire by the Secret Service.
The witness provided crucial information, describing the suspect’s escape route and vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies used the witness’s information to track down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
The witness was able to positively identify the individual.
The suspect in the alleged assassination attempt has not provided any information about their involvement, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh.
The suspect in the Trump assassination attempt, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was interviewed by Newsweek Romania in 2022. The report revealed that Routh had been involved in recruiting foreign volunteers to fight for Ukraine.
‘At this time, we cannot comment on their involvement in the incident, and our investigation is ongoing,’ Bradshaw stated.
EARLIER:
West Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw announced that a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel protruding through a fence near former President Donald Trump’s residence.
The agent immediately engaged the suspect.
A nearby witness later saw the suspect fleeing the scene and captured a photo of the suspect’s vehicle.
According to Bradshaw, the incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday when local authorities were alerted to gunfire by the Secret Service.
The witness provided crucial information, describing the suspect’s escape route and vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies used the witness’s information to track down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
The witness was able to positively identify the individual.
The suspect in the alleged assassination attempt has not provided any information about their involvement, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh.
‘At this time, we cannot comment on their involvement in the incident, and our investigation is ongoing,’ Bradshaw stated.
Summary of press conference:
- At 1:30 p.m., the Secret Service spotted a man with a rifle along the fence at Trump’s golf course.
- Suspect was armed with an AK-47-style rifle with a scope. He also had a GoPro.
- Gunman was about 300-500 yards away from Trump
- Secret Service engaged the suspect, firing at least 4 shots.
- Unclear whether the suspect fired any shots.
- A witness saw a man running out of the bushes and jump into a black SUV.
- The witness took a photo of the suspect’s car and license plate.
- The suspect was later detained in Martin County. Police flew the witness up there to confirm they had the right person in custody.
- Being treated as an apparent assassination attempt.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.