Ryan Routh Spent 12 Hours Near Trump Golf Course Before Assassination Attempt, Cellphone Data Shows

Sep 16, 2024

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (THECOUNT) — According to court documents unsealed Monday, cellphone data has revealed that Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, was near Trump National Golf Club for about 12 hours before being confronted by Secret Service agents. The records show that Routh’s phone was active near the tree line surrounding the golf course from 1:59 a.m. until 1:31 p.m. on Sunday, raising questions about his prolonged presence and intentions during that time.

Secret Service agents stationed on the course first became aware of Routh when they saw the muzzle of an AK-47-style rifle protruding from the bushes. Acting quickly, an agent fired at the suspect, who then fled the scene in an SUV. Authorities later arrested him in a neighboring county after a brief pursuit. Routh, 58, has since been charged with multiple federal gun crimes, including possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

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The arrest comes during a highly contentious election season, with Trump still playing a major role in political discourse. While Routh has been charged with gun-related crimes, additional charges related to the assassination attempt are expected as prosecutors seek an indictment from a federal grand jury.

Routh’s Court Appearance and Background:

Routh made his first court appearance Monday in federal court in West Palm Beach. During the hearing, he answered routine questions regarding his work and income, stating that he earns around $3,000 a month but has no significant savings or real estate. Shackled and wearing a blue jumpsuit, Routh smiled as he reviewed documents with his public defender, who declined to comment on the case. Routh also revealed that he has a 25-year-old son whom he occasionally supports.

The court documents also highlighted Routh’s criminal history, including multiple felony convictions, such as two charges for possessing stolen goods in 2002 in North Carolina. This criminal background is a key factor in the current charges against him for illegal firearm possession.


Investigation and Online Footprint:

While authorities have not yet provided a clear motive for the assassination attempt, Routh’s online presence offers insight into his political beliefs and potential motivations. His writings indicate a shift in political views and growing frustration with world events. In a self-published 2023 book titled Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh harshly criticized Trump, calling him a “fool” and a “buffoon” for his handling of the January 6 Capitol riots and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

In his book, Routh admitted that he had once voted for Trump but later became disillusioned, blaming himself and others for electing a “brainless child” as president. His online activity also included efforts to recruit fighters for Ukraine, as well as a website where he sought to raise money and enlist volunteers to fight against Russia in the ongoing conflict.

The Timeline of the Assassination Attempt:

Routh’s cellphone data shows that he was near the tree line at Trump’s golf course for approximately 12 hours before the confrontation. Authorities believe this extended period of time was spent preparing for the attack. At around 1:31 p.m., Secret Service agents noticed the muzzle of Routh’s rifle sticking out from the bushes about 400 yards from where Trump was playing golf. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, causing him to drop his rifle, which was equipped with a scope and attached to a GoPro camera. Routh fled the scene in an SUV but was later apprehended by local law enforcement.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Routh’s motives and whether he had any accomplices or ties to larger groups. The federal charges against him could expand as the case develops.

This was the second apparent assassination attempt targeting Trump in recent months. In July, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, further heightening concerns about his security as the 2024 election approaches.

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