Tue Sep 17 08:01:24 UTC 2024: ## Suspect Charged with Gun Crimes After Alleged Attempt to Assassinate Former President Trump

**West Palm Beach, Florida** – Ryan W. Routh, 58, has been charged with two federal gun-related crimes after being spotted with a rifle on the perimeter of former President Donald Trump’s golf course in Florida. Authorities are investigating the incident as an attempted assassination.

According to court documents, Routh allegedly hid in the bushes for nearly 12 hours with a loaded SKS semi-automatic rifle, aiming to target Trump. While he never fired and never had Trump in his line of sight, the Secret Service reacted swiftly, opening fire on Routh after noticing the rifle’s muzzle sticking through a fence.

Routh fled the scene in an SUV, leaving behind the rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. He was apprehended by law enforcement on Interstate 95 and arrested on charges of illegally possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The incident occurred just hours before Trump was scheduled to announce a new cryptocurrency business at his Mar-a-Lago estate. It comes less than two months after another gunman fired at Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Authorities are currently investigating how Routh obtained information about Trump’s golfing schedule. While Trump’s personal schedule is not public, he is known to be an avid golfer and frequently plays at his Florida home.

The attempted assassination has raised concerns about the safety of former presidents and the potential for violence in US politics. Law enforcement and the Secret Service are facing intense scrutiny over the security breaches that allowed two armed individuals to get so close to Trump in recent months.

Routh has a criminal history, including convictions for possession of an unregistered fully automatic gun and possessing stolen goods. The FBI is investigating his social media posts and past activities to determine a motive for the alleged attempted assassination.

While Routh has expressed support for both Trump and Biden on social media, he is known to be a strong supporter of Ukraine and had travelled to the country to recruit foreign fighters during the 2022 Russian invasion. Ukrainian officials have distanced themselves from Routh, denying any involvement with him.

The incident has sparked condemnation from political figures across the spectrum. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris have expressed their concern and condemned political violence. They have pledged to provide the Secret Service with all necessary resources to ensure the safety of former President Trump.

Read More