The man suspected of trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Sunday depicted himself on social media as a globe-trotting freedom fighter. Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, ran a small company that built tiny homes and was known for writing letters to his local newspaper about community issues.
Routh's online persona portrayed him as a vocal critic of Trump, with a particular interest in supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. His social media activity showed a shift in opinion towards Trump, from initial support in 2016 to later criticism, including suggesting a provocative campaign slogan for the former president.
Despite his online bravado, Routh's day-to-day life was focused on his business and local activism. He engaged in discussions about homelessness, graffiti, and hiking trails in his community, showcasing a different side to his public image.
On social media, Routh also attempted to communicate with world leaders, including North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, displaying a sense of self-importance in his interactions.
The discrepancy between Routh's online persona and his real-life activities raises questions about the complexity of individuals' public and private personas in the digital age.
