Man Arrested in Alleged Assassination Attempt on Trump Criticized Former President Online

A 58-year-old man, Ryan Wesley Routh, was detained on Sunday in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club. Routh, a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, had previously used social media to express strong political opinions, including criticism of Trump.

According to authorities, Routh was allegedly planning to attack Trump while the former president was playing golf. On social media, Routh had made several posts critical of Trump. For instance, he referenced the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania in July, urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to visit the injured and attend the funeral of a slain firefighter. Routh’s posts suggested a profound disapproval of Trump and his policies.

In one notable post, Routh tagged Biden and Harris, suggesting that they visit the hospital and funeral services for those affected by the Pennsylvania rally incident. He also criticized Trump’s campaign in another post, comparing it to “MASA” (Make Americans Slaves Again) and advocating for democracy. Routh’s comments often reflected his deep discontent with Trump’s presidency.

Routh’s political activity was not limited to criticism of Trump. In June 2020, he expressed disappointment with Trump’s performance since his election, stating that he had hoped Trump would improve but felt let down. Routh had initially supported Trump in 2016 but withdrew his support as his presidency progressed.

In addition to his political views, Routh’s connections extend to North Carolina, where he registered as an unaffiliated voter and participated in the Democratic primary this year. Public records also show that he has donated over $100 to ActBlue, a platform that processes contributions for Democratic candidates.

Routh demonstrated a strong commitment to Ukraine, with numerous posts on social media in 2022 expressing his willingness to fight in the war against Russia. He even offered to volunteer and die in the fight, showcasing his intense support for the Ukrainian cause.

Routh also attempted to enlist Afghan soldiers for Ukraine through social media posts in October 2023. He presented himself as a liaison for the Ukrainian government, trying to recruit soldiers by requesting copies of their passports.

Professionally, Routh founded a company called Camp Box Honolulu in 2018, specializing in storage units and tiny houses. He positioned himself as someone committed to helping people, emphasizing creativity and problem-solving in his work. Despite his positive public persona, Routh faced criticism for the quality of his work, including a dispute with a client who reported poor craftsmanship and a confrontational response from Routh.

Routh’s legal history includes several incidents. In 2002, he was arrested for allegedly brandishing a firearm and barricading himself in a business. Additionally, he faced multiple tax-related issues, including a federal tax lien of around $32,000 in 2008 and allegations of a “worthless check” in 1998, though the latter case was dismissed. He has also been ordered to pay substantial sums in various civil lawsuits.

Despite these legal and financial troubles, Routh’s family has expressed surprise at the recent allegations. His eldest son, Oran, described him as a “loving and caring father” and an “honest, hardworking man,” expressing hope that the situation might be misunderstood or exaggerated.

The FBI’s investigation into Routh’s alleged assassination attempt on Trump is ongoing, with authorities examining his background and online activities. The investigation has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complex interplay between political motivations and violent actions.

This story has been updated with additional information as it becomes available.