Assailant Charged with Gun Crimes After Alleged Plot to Assassinate Donald Trump

A 58-year-old man, Ryan Wesley Routh, has been charged with federal gun crimes after an alleged attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course. The incident occurred on Sunday when a US Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of a rifle pointing out of shrubbery at the Trump International Golf Course.

Routh, a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene in a vehicle. He is expected to face further charges at a later arraignment. During his initial court appearance, Routh remained calm and answered “yes” in a soft voice to several questions from District Judge Ryon McCabe.

The US Secret Service, which was deployed in a moving security bubble ahead of the former president, engaged with Routh, who was armed with an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed in the incident.

Routh’s arrest marks the latest in a decades-long arrest record. According to US media, he regularly posted about politics and current events on social media, including criticism of Trump.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security measures in place to protect public figures. The US Secret Service’s swift response and collaboration with local law enforcement undoubtedly prevented a potentially catastrophic situation.

As the investigation continues, Routh is being held without bond pending his next court appearance.