Prosecutors: Suspect in Trump assassination attempt wrote letter detailing his plan to kill the former president
On the edge of former President Donald Trump’s golf club in Florida, a chilling incident unfolded that shocked the nation. Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man, was recently apprehended by authorities for allegedly hiding in the trees with a rifle in what prosecutors are describing as an attempted assassination. The situation came to light on September 15 at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The gravity of the incident was further underscored with the emergence of a letter penned by Routh himself, stating unequivocally, “this was an assassination attempt.” This alarming detail was brought to light by federal prosecutors, adding a layer of intensity to an already unsettling turn of events.
As investigations into the matter continue to unfold, new revelations shed light on the intricate planning and potential motives behind the alleged assassination attempt. According to court filings, a witness who stepped forward following Routh’s arrest disclosed receiving a mysterious box from Routh months prior. This box, upon being opened, revealed an array of concerning items including ammunition, building materials, and even multiple letters.
One of the most chilling excerpts from Routh’s writings addressed to “The World” reads, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster.” The letter goes on to offer a reward for anyone willing to “finish the job,” painting a disturbing picture of Routh’s intentions.
The investigation took a further ominous turn as federal investigators scrutinized the semi-automatic rifle recovered from the scene. An incriminating latent fingerprint on a piece of tape attached to the weapon was revealed to match Routh’s, further solidifying the case against him.
During a search of Routh’s vehicle post-arrest, FBI agents unearthed a trove of incriminating evidence, including additional license plates, cellphones, and a disturbing Google search query on travel routes to Mexico. The inventory of Routh’s vehicle also uncovered a Hawaii driver’s license and a U.S. passport belonging to Routh, adding further intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
Perhaps most chilling of all was the discovery of a notebook filled with names and phone numbers related to Ukraine, discussions on combat involvement in Ukraine, and scathing critiques of the governments of China and Russia. Additionally, a handwritten list of dates and venues in August, September, and October where Trump was expected to appear hinted at a meticulously planned and potentially dangerous scheme.
The timeline of events leading up to Routh’s apprehension paints a disturbing picture of premeditation and calculated movements. Cellphone records obtained by the FBI indicate Routh’s travels from North Carolina to Florida, with multiple instances of his proximity to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and the golf course. Surveillance data further places Routh in the vicinity of the golf course for an extended period before his ultimate arrest on September 15.
The harrowing account culminated in Routh being spotted by a Secret Service agent pointing a rifle from the tree line near Trump’s golf course. Despite fleeing the scene without firing his weapon, the implications of his actions reverberated across the nation. Fortunately, former President Trump emerged unscathed from the incident, swiftly ushered to safety by vigilant security personnel.
As the investigation progresses, details from Routh’s self-published book, “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” offer a glimpse into his mindset and potential motivations. In the book, Routh vehemently criticized Trump’s policies, going as far as encouraging Iran to take action against him.
Amidst the flurry of revelations and chilling discoveries, one thing remains clear – the events that transpired at Trump’s golf course serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of security and the lurking threats that persist in the shadows. The swift actions of law enforcement and security personnel undoubtedly averted a potentially catastrophic outcome, underscoring the critical importance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding against such malevolent intentions.
