Ryan Wesley Routh: The Unfolding Story of a Complex Figure Involved in an Assassination Attempt on Trump
Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from North Carolina, presents a perplexing persona that stretches across political ideologies and controversial actions. His online image is of a man deeply involved in numerous causes—from building homes for people experiencing homelessness in Hawaii to advocating for Ukraine in its war with Russia. However, Routh’s story took a dark turn when he was arrested for an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Man of Contradictory Views
Routh’s political journey is far from conventional. Public records and social media posts reveal his support for figures across the political spectrum, from Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump, before ultimately turning against the former president. In his 2023 self-published book Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh condemned Trump, calling him a “fool” and a “buffoon” for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot and for withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. Routh even went so far as to encourage Iran to assassinate Trump, writing, “You are free to assassinate Trump.”
His disillusionment with Trump was a sharp pivot from his earlier support. Routh admitted that he voted for Trump but now blames himself for contributing to what he describes as the election of a “brainless” president. His shift from Trump became more evident over the years, with increasing support for Democratic leaders like President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
A Criminal Past
Routh’s online persona as a charitable figure who builds housing for the homeless contrasts sharply with his extensive criminal history. He has a string of felony convictions, including possession of a fully automatic machine gun in 2002 and stolen goods in 2010. These incidents point to a troubled past, with Routh narrowly avoiding prison time through probation or suspended sentences.
Routh’s roofing business became the backdrop for some of his legal troubles in his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. Court records indicate that Routh was involved in storing and selling stolen goods to fund a crack cocaine habit, further complicating his public image as a humanitarian.
Online Persona: Ukraine, Trump, and Beyond
Routh’s vast and varied social media footprint reveals a man obsessed with global issues. In recent years, his support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia took center stage, with posts about his intention to fight and die for the cause. However, Ukrainian officials dismissed Routh’s involvement, describing his ideas as delusional. Despite never officially serving in Ukraine’s military, Routh used his website and social media platforms to raise funds and recruit volunteers for the war.
In 2023, Routh even sought the help of celebrities like Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews to create a tribute song for Ukraine. His far-reaching activism also extended to North Korea and Hong Kong, where he invited protesters to seek refuge in his Hawaiian home.
The Assassination Attempt
Routh’s arrest in Florida brought his controversial actions to a boiling point. Armed with an SKS-style rifle — a semiautomatic developed by the Soviets in the 1940s — with a scope, he was charged with possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
A Complex Figure
Neighbors in Kaaawa, Hawaii, where Routh moved in 2018, were left in shock by his recent actions. They described him as a quiet and respectful man, making his involvement in an alleged assassination plot all the more surprising. He had gone into business with his adult son, building wooden sheds to address the island’s homelessness crisis. Despite his charitable efforts, his actions have left many questioning the true nature of the man who once professed a desire to save the world.
Conclusion
Ryan Wesley Routh’s story is one of profound complexity. From his political shifts and criminal history to his wide-ranging activism, Routh’s life is a tapestry of contradictions and challenges. His complex life has now taken a grim turn with his arrest for attempting to assassinate a former president. His public image as a man of many causes is now overshadowed by the dark cloud of his violent intentions, leaving a lingering question of what drove him down this path.