Man Accused of Attempting Assassination of Donald Trump Leaves Disturbing Note, DOJ Reveals
The man accused of an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course left behind a note declaring his intent to kill Trump, along with a handwritten list of dates and locations where Trump was scheduled to appear, the Justice Department revealed on Monday. The accused, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, now faces charges as prosecutors seek to keep him in custody due to the severity of the case.
New Allegations Unveiled by the DOJ
In a detention memo filed before Monday’s hearing, the Justice Department presented alarming details to strengthen their argument for Routh’s detention, claiming that he poses a serious public safety threat. Prosecutors allege that Routh’s actions demonstrate a deliberate plan to assassinate Trump — a plot that was narrowly thwarted by a vigilant Secret Service agent.
The agent, stationed at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, noticed a rifle barrel sticking out of shrubbery while Trump played on the course. This observation ultimately led to Routh’s arrest after a chase. However, no shots were fired, and Trump was not directly in Routh’s line of sight.
A Chilling Discovery
Along with the note, a box filled with disturbing items was dropped off months earlier at an unidentified individual’s residence. The recipient, who eventually turned the box over to law enforcement, found ammunition, a metal pipe, building materials, tools, phones, and various letters inside. These letters, which contained anti-government and anti-Trump sentiments, further underscored Routh’s dangerous mindset.
The note, addressed “Dear World,” appeared to anticipate that the assassination attempt would fail. A further investigation by authorities uncovered a list of dates in August, September, and October, corresponding with venues where Trump had or was scheduled to appear. Routh’s cellphone records showed he had traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach in mid-August and had been near Trump’s golf course and Mar-a-Lago estate multiple times before the incident.
Weaponry and a Notable Search History
Routh’s vehicle contained six cell phones, one of which revealed a Google search on how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico. Inside the car, authorities found a notebook filled with anti-Russian and anti-Chinese commentary, along with notes on how to join the war effort in Ukraine.
Adding to the troubling revelations, the DOJ cited a book by Routh in 2023, in which he criticized Trump’s foreign policy, specifically regarding Ukraine. Routh wrote that Trump’s actions had encouraged Iran and declared that Iran was “free to assassinate Trump” for withdrawing from the nuclear deal.
Legal Fallout
Routh has been charged with illegal gun possession despite multiple felony convictions, including two counts of possessing stolen goods in North Carolina in 2002. Additionally, he faces charges of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The DOJ indicated that more severe charges, such as attempted murder or domestic terrorism, could follow as the investigation progresses.
This case has raised significant concerns about the potential for targeted violence against political figures, with authorities emphasizing the essential role of the Secret Service in preventing a potential tragedy.