A thwarted assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump by a man from Hawaii ended in an intense confrontation and arrest on what was supposed to be a peaceful day of golf for Trump.
The Daily Mail reported that Routh, a 58-year-old man, was set up to take shots at Trump on a quiet Sunday morning. Former President Donald Trump was targeted by Routh, who aimed a rifle through a fence at a golf course intending to kill the former President.
The security detail and local law enforcement responded swiftly to the assassination attempt. The incident prompted an immediate search for the suspect.
Routh was captured approximately an hour after the incident, 50 miles from the golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The arrest was facilitated by a tip-off from a witness who saw him driving away in a stolen black Nissan SUV.
During his arrest, captured on police bodycam footage, an officer can be heard directing Routh: "Driver, take two steps to your right. Take two steps to your right. Driver, walk straight back. Keep walking." This command underscores the tense moments leading up to Routh's detention.
Routh, clad in a bright orange t-shirt and dark sunglasses, remained notably calm as he was taken into custody. The events continued to unfold rapidly as Routh was brought before the court the following Monday morning.
In his court appearance, Routh claimed a monthly income of around $3,000. A courtroom sketch from the hearing shows him dressed in dark prison scrubs, contrasting sharply with his arrest attire.
Law enforcement officials charged Routh with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Investigations into how Routh obtained the rifle, clarified as not legally available for purchase in Florida, are ongoing.
The events on the golf course were detailed by surveillance footage that showed Routh's presence from 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m. on that Sunday. This footage proved crucial in linking him to the attempted assassination.
This incident marked the second threat to Trump in recent months; two months prior, Trump narrowly escaped another attack when he was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Routh's personal and financial background came under scrutiny post-arrest. He reportedly has minimal assets, possessing no real estate and minimal savings. His only significant properties are two trucks located in Hawaii, each worth about $1,000.
Despite his financial situation, Routh occasionally provides support for his 25-year-old son. This detail adds a layer to understanding Routh's circumstances leading up to the assassination attempt.
The motives behind Routh's actions are still being investigated. However, the detailed chronology and swift law enforcement response highlight the severity and precision with which such threats are handled.
The arrest and consequent legal proceedings against Routh are ongoing. The community and law enforcement remain vigilant as they process the implications of this foiled assassination on a former president.
The incident has stirred discussions on presidential security and the challenges facing individuals with a high public profile. Routh's trial will likely serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers such public figures face.
As the story develops, more information is expected to surface regarding Routh's motives and the precise sequence of events that led to that critical Sunday morning.