FBI Labels Trump Victim of “Attempted Assassination”
Former President Donald Trump was golfing today at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, when Secret Service detected an armed suspect and opened fire. Donald Trump Jr. wrote on X that the suspect was toting an AK-47, which he ultimately dropped in the bushes when fleeing.
Trump Jr.’s claim was confirmed in a press conference with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County, who said there was “an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks which were hung on the fence that had ceramic tile in them and a GoPro…” Each item is being processed.
It remains unclear who specifically the potential shooter may be, and what his motive was, but the suspect is currently in custody.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating and has said that this is “what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”
The following statement has been issued from the Trump campaign:
UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man who is an affordable housing builder hailing from Hawaii. Court documents and former news stories indicate multiple violent confrontations with law enforcement in his home state of North Carolina. He has various social media posts indicating his dislike toward former President Trump.
According to CBS, ”Routh told the publication Semafor last year that he was director of a group he called International Volunteer Center as part of his attempts to support Ukraine’s war against Russia.”
Routh traveled to Ukraine, with hopes to serve, but was told his age — 56 at the time — made him a less than ideal candidate. He continued his efforts by trying to recruit soldiers to fight against Russia.
”Routh spoke of his frustration with Ukraine over what he said were roadblocks to admitting foreign fighters, including Afghan commandos, who either volunteered or were available to join Ukraine’s war effort,” CBS’ article continued.
