The man suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump may have waited nearly 12 hours before the incident at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was charged on Monday with two gun-related offenses following his dramatic arrest after a high-stakes standoff on Sunday.
Authorities report that Routh was discovered hiding in the bushes with a rifle while Trump was playing golf on the course—a location not publicly disclosed in Trump's schedule. Although no shots were fired and Trump was unharmed, the incident has sparked serious concerns about security protocols and how an armed individual managed to get so close to a high-profile figure.
Routh's phone records revealed that he was at the golf course as early as 1.59am on Sunday, suggesting he may have been preparing for the attack for an extended period before the confrontation. The Secret Service’s response was triggered when an agent spotted the rifle barrel sticking out of the bushes from a distance.
The suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle but was apprehended about 40 minutes later. Authorities found a loaded assault-style rifle, a digital camera, and a plastic bag of food left behind at the scene.
Routh’s criminal record includes a 2002 guilty plea in North Carolina for possession of an unregistered fully automatic weapon, classified as a weapon of mass destruction under state law, which resulted in probation. Additionally, he was convicted of possessing stolen goods in 2010.
'Suspect remained calm during arrest'
During his arrest, Routh displayed a notably "nonplussed" demeanor, according to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder. Despite the serious nature of the situation, Routh remained calm and seemingly indifferent, not questioning his detainment. This relaxed attitude contrasted sharply with the high-tension environment surrounding his arrest, which involved armed deputies and a helicopter.
The quick identification and capture of Routh were aided by a witness who photographed his vehicle, which proved crucial in tracking him down.
Authorities report that Routh was discovered hiding in the bushes with a rifle while Trump was playing golf on the course—a location not publicly disclosed in Trump's schedule. Although no shots were fired and Trump was unharmed, the incident has sparked serious concerns about security protocols and how an armed individual managed to get so close to a high-profile figure.
Routh's phone records revealed that he was at the golf course as early as 1.59am on Sunday, suggesting he may have been preparing for the attack for an extended period before the confrontation. The Secret Service’s response was triggered when an agent spotted the rifle barrel sticking out of the bushes from a distance.
The suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle but was apprehended about 40 minutes later. Authorities found a loaded assault-style rifle, a digital camera, and a plastic bag of food left behind at the scene.
Routh’s criminal record includes a 2002 guilty plea in North Carolina for possession of an unregistered fully automatic weapon, classified as a weapon of mass destruction under state law, which resulted in probation. Additionally, he was convicted of possessing stolen goods in 2010.
'Suspect remained calm during arrest'
During his arrest, Routh displayed a notably "nonplussed" demeanor, according to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder. Despite the serious nature of the situation, Routh remained calm and seemingly indifferent, not questioning his detainment. This relaxed attitude contrasted sharply with the high-tension environment surrounding his arrest, which involved armed deputies and a helicopter.
The quick identification and capture of Routh were aided by a witness who photographed his vehicle, which proved crucial in tracking him down.
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