Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old owner of a small construction company, has been detained in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Florida, according to three law enforcement sources.
Routh, a frequent Trump critic on social media, posted about the assassination attempt on the former president in July, urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to visit those wounded at the rally. He was registered as an 'unaffiliated' voter in the state in 2012 and voted in North Carolina’s Democratic primary in March of this year.
In 2002, Routh was arrested after an incident where he allegedly put his hand on a firearm during a police stop and barricaded himself in a business. He has faced civil suits and accusations of tax delinquency by state and federal authorities.
When detained, Routh remained silent, leading local state attorney David Aronberg to comment on his demeanor, suggesting a history of interactions with law enforcement. Routh expressed support for Ukraine in numerous social media posts in 2022, advocating for action against Russia and even attempting to recruit Afghan conscripts to fight in the conflict.
Routh also shared his views on global political situations in a self-published book, emphasizing his backing of Ukraine and recounting his unsuccessful attempt to join the war effort at the Poland-Ukraine border. His LinkedIn profile indicated his involvement in a company that constructs storage units and tiny houses in Hawaii, where he donated a structure for homeless individuals.
Oran Routh, his son, expressed disbelief at the situation, hoping it has been exaggerated and defending his father as a loving, caring, and hardworking individual who would not engage in violent behavior.
