A 58-year-old man, Ryan Wesley Routh, has been charged with federal gun crimes after allegedly plotting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump. Routh, who has a criminal history, was arrested on Sunday and charged with firearm possession as a convicted felon and having a firearm with a removed serial number.
The incident occurred at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where a Secret Service agent spotted the barrel of a rifle emerging from nearby bushes. Security swiftly engaged the suspect, but Routh fled in a vehicle and was apprehended shortly after.
Authorities found an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera at the scene. While Trump remained unharmed, the investigation into Routh’s motives continues.
Routh, a self-employed housing builder from Hawaii, has a history of legal troubles and had shared political views critical of Trump on social media. He is expected to face additional charges in the coming days.
