United States federal authorities have arrested Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old Hawaii resident, in Florida on suspicion of plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Routh, an entrepreneur in the affordable housing sector, had previously voiced criticism of Trump on social media platforms while demonstrating passionate support for Ukraine. The arrest has triggered a comprehensive FBI investigation, including international inquiries into Routh's online activities and travel history.
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The Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism analyzed Routh's social media presence, concluding that he was once a Trump supporter who became disenchanted and shifted his allegiance to Libertarian candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
While never explicitly advocating violence against Trump, Routh called for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His online activity revealed efforts to recruit foreign fighters for Ukraine and Taiwan, with one video showing him discussing this need while in Ukraine.
We know little so far, but w alleged Trump shooter's personal and public participation in military activity in Ukraine, it is hard to imagine this White House's agencies can claim zero contact—"clean hands." Something of an Oswald vibe, here. Congress should get answers. pic.twitter.com/lDD1TLsLVf
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 15, 2024
Regarding Israel, on several occasions, Routh posted maps of Israel and questioned whether Jews actually lived there in ancient times and whether "it wasn't all Palestine." Public records reveal a history of legal troubles, including a 2002 arrest in North Carolina and cases dating back to the 1990s involving tax evasion charges and civil lawsuits resulting in substantial payouts.
On social media, Routh criticized Trump while supporting President Joe Biden. He commented on the July assassination attempt on Trump, urging Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to visit the injured. The FBI has expanded its investigation internationally, seeking warrants for Routh's social media accounts on foreign platforms and examining his travel claims.
Authorities have not identified potential co-conspirators, if there were any, and the investigation remains ongoing.
