Crime
Suspect in Trump assassination attempt in West Palm Beach identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh
The FBI announced on Sunday that it is investigating what “appears to be an attempted assassination” of Donald Trump, just two months after an earlier attempt on his life during a rally in Pennsylvania. The former president is safe following shots fired at Trump International Golf Club in South Florida. Here’s a breakdown of the incident:
Rifle and belongings found in the bushes: Authorities discovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera at the suspect’s location in the bushes.
Secret Service spots a rifle: A Secret Service agent, stationed a few holes ahead of Trump, noticed a rifle barrel protruding from a fence and engaged the suspect.
Gunfire during golf: Trump, along with donor Steve Witkoff, was moving between the fifth and sixth holes at his West Palm Beach golf course when the gunshots rang out. The course was immediately locked down, according to sources.
Sheriff alerted: Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that his office was alerted at 1:30 p.m. ET by the Secret Service regarding the gunfire.
Suspect spotted in the bushes: A witness saw the suspect fleeing from the bushes and managed to take a photo of his vehicle, leading to his apprehension, according to the sheriff.
Police flood the highway: Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder stated that law enforcement “flooded” Interstate 95 and shut down a large section of the highway before safely stopping the suspect’s vehicle and detaining him.
Suspect in custody: The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was unarmed when taken into custody and has not made any statements regarding his involvement, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Bradshaw.
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.
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.