A former Trump supporter who has been arrested in connection with an “apparent assassination attempt” on the ex-President, has had his identity revealed.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is suspected to be the man responsible for the attempted shooting at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach on Sunday.
The suspect was spotted hiding in the shrubbery at the resort whilst Trump played golf. Secret service agents with the former president noticed a rifle, later determined to be an AK-47 type weapon, pointing through a fence - at that time, Trump was about 300-500 yards (272-557m) away from the gunman.
An agent “immediately engaged” with the person holding the rifle, shooting at the suspect, County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a statement.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is suspected to be the man responsible for the attempted shooting ReutersAfter the agent opened fire, Routh fled but he was soon captured.
Routh’s son has since come forward and professed that his father is not a violent man, with his worst offence he knew of being “a couple of traffic tickets”.
Oran Routh, 35, said that his father hated Trump like “every reasonable person does”, professing “I don’t like Trump either”, but was nonetheless shocked to hear about the incident.
He told The Daily Mail: “He’s my dad and all he’s had is a couple traffic tickets, as far as I know.
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The rifle propped against a fence outside of Trump's resort
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A US Coast guard patrol boat operates around Mar-A-Lago following the attempted assassination
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“That’s crazy. I know my dad and love my dad, but that’s nothing like him.”
“He’s not a violent person,” he added. “He’s a hard worker and a great dad. He’s a great dude, a nice guy and has worked his whole f–king life.”
Following another assassination attempt on the 78-year-old in July, Routh admitted that he voted for Trump back in 2016, though now regrets it.
He posted online: “While you were my choice in 2016, I and the world hoped that President Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointed and it seems you are getting worse and devolving: are you r****ded; I will be glad when you are gone."
Whilst he has yet to be formally identified, three law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that he was the man in custody.
A bullet struck Donald Trump's right ear during an assassination attempt only two months ago on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania
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Law enforcement officers stand after reports of shots fired outside Trump's golf course
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Routh, 58, professed to stand for world peace and prosperity, pro-democracy causes, an end to war, and “for all citizens to be happy”. He had traveled to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion to help volunteer and provide aid.
He had moved to Hawaii in 2018 with his long-term girlfriend, having previously lived in North Carolina. His son believed he was still there and was shocked to learn he was in Florida.
"I've never known him to own a gun or known him to do anything bats*** like this," the son added.
Early reporting suggests the 58-year-old had a criminal record. According to CBS sources, he was charged and convicted of numerous felony offences - including carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest by a police officer - in Guilford County in North Carolina between 2002 and 2010.
The White House issued a statement soon after the incident, saying: "The President and Vice President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing.
"They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team."
"Violence has no place in America," Kamala Harris said later on social media.
