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. Hereโs 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 suspectโs 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.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. โ Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspectโs condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.