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.
Authorities are currently investigating a double homicide at the Brighton Community Center, located at 3810 7th Avenue in Bessemer, Alabama.
Multiple law enforcement agencies have responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
Details surrounding the incident remain limited at this time, and authorities have not yet released information about the victims or any potential suspects.
Investigators are working diligently to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Residents in the area are urged to remain cautious and report any information that may assist law enforcement in their investigation.
Anyone with details about the incident is encouraged to contact the Bessemer Police Department or submit a tip anonymously through local crime-stopper programs.