Ryan Wesley Routh, accused of attempting an assassination on Donald Trump, had reportedly planned to use a rocket-propelled grenade procured through Ukrainian contacts.
The Daily Wire reported that Routh's September 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump involved negotiations for military-grade weapons with a Ukrainian, culminating in a dramatic encounter at a Florida golf course.
According to Department of Justice filings reported by The Daily Mail, Routh contacted an individual he believed to be in Ukraine. He intended to acquire a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), which he considered crucial for his mission to prevent Trump from getting elected.
Communication records unearthed during the investigation reveal Routh's desperation. He indicated that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might lead to military inventory discrepancies, suggesting that a missing weapon such as an RPG would likely go unnoticed amid the chaos.
Routh went as far as sending his contact a photo detailing the times Trump boarded and disembarked from his airplane, signaling his planned point of attack.
On September 15, equipped with a semi-automatic rifle, Routh took cover near the golf club, anticipating Trump's arrival. His plans were disrupted when a Secret Service agent, recognizing a potential threat, opened fire, causing Routh to flee the scene.
The subsequent manhunt ended shortly after in Martin County, where Routh was apprehended less than an hour following the attempt. At the moment of capture, he was still heavily armed, hinting at the gravity and premeditation of his intentions.
In his arrest, Routh, overwhelmed by the failure of his plan, penned a remorseful letter admitting his actions. He expressed deep regret for not completing the mission, stating, "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I am so sorry I failed you."
Routh pleaded not guilty to a string of charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and various weapons-related offenses. His defense team is currently challenging the credibility of an eyewitness, suggesting a potential misidentification in the heat of the crisis.
Moreover, Routh has claimed in past interviews, such as with Newsweek in 2022, that he had been involved in recruiting fighters for Ukraine and had taken part in the conflict against Russia. These assertions, however, remain unconfirmed and are not supported by further evidence.
As the case unfolds, the legal implications are significant. Routh's trial, scheduled for September 8, could see him facing life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.
The DOJ's documents highlight an alarming scenario where international conflicts and U.S. domestic security questions intersect.
Routh’s messages to his Ukrainian contact underscore a precarious misuse of international turmoil for domestic political violence.
"Send me an RPG or a stinger and I will see what we can do… [Trump] is not good for Ukraine," Routh messaged, revealing his misguided belief that such severe actions could be justified by geopolitical disagreements.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks of political violence, where domestic grievances may potentially leverage international crises to fateful ends.