Tue Sep 17 01:00:42 UTC 2024: ## Man Accused of Trying to Assassinate Trump Had Extensive Social Media Presence and Troubled Past
**Palm Beach, FL** – Ryan Wesley Routh, the 58-year-old man arrested in connection with an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, has a lengthy criminal record and a complex online presence that reveals a troubled past.
Routh, who was apprehended Sunday after allegedly being spotted near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence with a loaded rifle, has been charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
A self-published book by Routh, unearthed by ABC News, reveals a startling message directed at Iran, in which he apologizes for his previous support of Trump and suggests they should feel free to assassinate both him and Trump. This apology appears to be related to Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
In addition to his disturbing message to Iran, Routh’s book, titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” suggests his desire to end his life as a result of his efforts to support Ukraine. Routh’s online activity reveals a prolific booster of Ukrainian causes, with numerous posts referring to an effort to recruit soldiers for the country.
The FBI is investigating whether Routh’s alleged actions stem from frustration with Trump’s stance on the Ukraine war, particularly after Trump’s refusal to definitively state whether Ukraine should win the conflict during a recent debate.
Routh has been described by neighbors as a “weird loner” who kept guns, while others have described him as a “good guy.” His social media profiles reveal a variety of political affiliations, including past support for Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard, and more recent support for Vivek Ramaswamy. He has also been known to promote conspiracy theories and express extremist views on various platforms.
Routh’s criminal history includes felony charges for possessing a weapon of mass destruction and stealing a state-issued ID card. He has also been sued multiple times for writing bad checks. In 2019, the FBI received a tip that Routh, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm, but the alleged complainant later retracted the information.
The FBI is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into Routh’s social media activity, travel history, and criminal record. They are also interviewing friends, family, and associates to gain further insight into his motivations and actions. The motive behind the alleged attempted assassination remains unclear.
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