6 October 2024

Who is Ryan Wesley Routh? A Profile of the Trump Golf Club Incident Suspect

Routh Trump shooter

Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man with ties to both Hawaii and Florida, made headlines on September 15, 2024, following an incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This event, which authorities are investigating as a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has brought Routh into the national spotlight.

Background and History

Ryan Wesley Routh, also known simply as Ryan Routh, has a complex background that spans multiple states:

  • Originally from North Carolina, where he had several run-ins with the law
  • Moved to Hawaii in 2017, where he reportedly started a construction company
  • Has a history of arrests dating back to the 1990s, including charges for drug possession and traffic violations

One notable incident in Routh’s past occurred in 2002 in North Carolina. The Greensboro News & Record reported that Ryan Wesley Routh was involved in a three-hour standoff with police after barricading himself in his roofing company’s office. This event followed a traffic stop where he allegedly put his hand on a gun before fleeing.

The Trump Golf Club Incident

On September 15, 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly approached Trump International Golf Club while former President Trump was playing golf. According to reports:

  • Routh was seen pointing an AK-47 through a chain-link fence near the golf course
  • Secret Service agents opened fire, causing Routh to flee
  • He was quickly apprehended and is now the primary suspect in what’s being treated as an assassination attempt

Current Status and Investigation

As the investigation unfolds, several questions remain about Ryan Wesley Routh:

  • His motives for the alleged action at Trump’s golf club
  • The extent of his planning and preparation
  • His current mental state and any potential ideological affiliations

Authorities are likely examining Routh’s background, including his social media presence (such as any Ryan Routh Facebook accounts) and his recent activities in both Hawaii and Florida.

As the case develops, more information about Ryan Wesley Routh and his alleged involvement in the Trump assassination attempt may come to light. For now, he remains the central figure in an ongoing investigation that has captured national attention.