On Sunday, September 15, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, a U.S. Secret Service agent on patrol at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach noticed a rifle barrel protruding from the shrubbery. The agent and team confronted the suspect, who fled the scene without firing any shots. The suspect was positioned 300 to 500 yards away from Donald Trump at the time.
Within 45 minutes of the initial sighting, law enforcement apprehended the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, after a witness reported seeing a man fleeing in a black vehicle. The vehicle, which had stolen tags, was stopped on the I-95 highway. Police discovered a loaded semi-automatic rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera at the scene.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is a builder from Hawaii with a lengthy arrest record. He had previously traveled to Kyiv to support Ukraine against Russia. Although his social media posts show shifting political opinions, including support for both Trump and Biden, he had recently participated in the 2024 Democratic primary. His motives and affiliations are under investigation.
The incident is the second assassination attempt on Trump in recent months. Following a previous attack at a rally in July, Trump has increased security measures at his events. His 2024 campaign has heightened tensions with controversial rhetoric, particularly on immigration issues.
The event raises questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service, which has faced scrutiny following the July attack. The Secret Service had focused security on specific areas rather than the entire golf course. President Biden has called for increased funding and personnel for the agency to better protect former and current presidents.
