Former President Trump was recently the victim of another assassination attempt. We’re just now finding out how crazy the attacker really is.
As the would-b Trump assassin just gave an utterly shocking confession in federal court.
Man Accused of Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges related to his alleged attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump while he was golfing in Florida a few weeks ago.
Routh appeared in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Monday, where he faced fresh accusations of lying in wait for 12 hours in the hedges at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on September 15. According to prosecutors, Routh was armed with an assault rifle and had positioned himself near the sixth hole, intent on ambushing the former president.
During the brief court appearance, Routh, dressed in tan jail attire and handcuffed, frequently removed and replaced his glasses as Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart explained the charges. When asked if he understood the severity of the situation, Routh responded, “Yes, your honor.” His attorney then entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.
The alleged assassination plot was foiled by a Secret Service agent who spotted the muzzle of Routh’s weapon through a fence and fired at him. Routh did not return fire, according to authorities.
He fled the golf course but was apprehended shortly after on a nearby highway. Investigators say they found an AK-47-style SKS semi-automatic rifle, equipped with a scope and extended magazine, left behind in the hedges.
Prosecutors also claim Routh abandoned a GoPro camera, metal plates for protection against possible gunfire, and snacks at the scene. Originally from North Carolina, Routh has been living in Hawaii, where he works as a roof contractor.
Initially, Routh was charged only with weapon possession. However, the charges escalated after federal authorities released a letter in which he allegedly confessed to his intent to assassinate Trump.
The letter, according to prosecutors, read, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”
Routh’s defense attorneys suggested during a court hearing on September 23 that the letter might have been written to draw attention to his advocacy for democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan, though this motive has not been verified. At the same hearing, a judge ordered Routh to remain in custody pending trial.
The charges against Routh include attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted, Routh could face life in prison.
The trial has been assigned to Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee. Cannon previously made headlines in July when she dismissed criminal charges against Trump regarding the alleged mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Her decision, which found special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment unconstitutional, is currently under appeal.
Routh’s alleged assassination attempt comes just two months after another incident in which Thomas Matthew Crooks shot and injured Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In that incident, Trump sustained a graze wound to his ear before a Secret Service sniper neutralized the attacker.
Routh also has a criminal history in North Carolina, where he has two prior convictions—one for possession of a bomb during a police standoff and another for possession of stolen goods.
In a separate, unrelated case, Routh’s son, Oran Routh, was arrested on child p*rnography charges on September 24. Federal agents reportedly discovered hundreds of illegal images on his devices during a search of his home. Oran is scheduled to appear in a North Carolina federal court on Tuesday.
If convicted of the most serious charge, Ryan Wesley Routh could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
