Ryan Routh, 58, portrayed himself online as a humanitarian, advocating for the homeless in Hawaii and rallying support for Ukraine. However, his recent arrest for an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has drawn attention to his complex and controversial history.
Routh was arrested Sunday after authorities say he stalked the GOP presidential nominee with an AK-47-style rifle while Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Secret Service intervened, thwarting what appeared to be an assassination attempt. According to three officials familiar with the case, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the investigation is ongoing, and the motive remains unclear.
A digital trail of shifting political ideologies
Routh’s online presence paints a picture of a man with fluid political beliefs and deep-seated anger. His more than 500 posts on X (formerly Twitter) show a wide range of political support, from Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard to Nikki Haley and Trump. However, his stance on Trump changed dramatically over time.
In his 2023 self-published book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh condemned Trump for the January 6 Capitol riots and for pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal. “You are free to assassinate Trump,” Routh wrote in the book, referring to Iran. He called Trump a “fool” and “buffoon” and blamed himself for once voting for the former president.
Political donations and social media posts show a conflicted man
Routh, who registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012, most recently participated in the Democratic primary in March. Federal campaign finance records show he made 19 small donations to ActBlue, a PAC that supports Democratic candidates, totaling $140 since 2019.
His social media posts reflect both his support for and disillusionment with Trump. In 2020, after the police killing of George Floyd, he suggested Trump could win reelection by taking strong action against police misconduct. By 2023, however, Routh had fully shifted to supporting President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, writing, “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose.”
After an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, Routh tweeted that Biden and Harris should visit those affected by the incident, writing, “Trump will never do anything for them.”
A volatile history and delusions of grandeur
Public records and past interviews depict Routh as a man with a criminal background and erratic behavior. He was convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction in 2002 after a standoff with police at his roofing business in Greensboro, North Carolina. Additional convictions followed, including possession of stolen goods, carrying a concealed weapon, and a hit-and-run.
Despite his felony record, Routh was somehow able to obtain a firearm, raising questions about how he managed to acquire the weapon used in his assassination attempt.
In 2018, Routh moved to Kaaawa, Hawaii, to start a business with his son, building small wooden sheds for the homeless. He described the venture as a way to combat Hawaii’s homelessness crisis. However, neighbors in the small town described him as quiet and reserved. “It’s just been very surprising,” said neighbor Christopher Tam. “If he did have anything to do with it, it’s very shocking to us.”
An obsession with Ukraine and other global conflicts
Routh frequently posted online about the war in Ukraine, often calling it a battle of “good versus evil.” He attempted to recruit fighters for Ukraine and sought to raise money for the cause. In videos, Routh appeared at demonstrations in Kyiv, calling for the downfall of Russia and holding signs with anti-corruption messages.
Despite his fervor, Routh never officially worked with the Ukrainian military. Oleksandr Shahuri, of Ukraine’s Foreigners Coordination Department, said Routh contacted the International Legion of Ukraine with “delusional” ideas. His attempts to recruit Afghan commandos for Ukraine were also rebuffed.
Routh’s efforts extended to other international issues, from suggesting a “We Are the World”-style concert to support Ukraine, to asking basketball star Dennis Rodman to help lift sanctions on North Korea. He even invited Hong Kong protesters to take refuge at his Hawaii home to escape China’s crackdown.
A complex portrait of a troubled man
As authorities continue their investigation, more details are likely to emerge about Routh’s troubled past and shifting political beliefs. His complex online persona, coupled with his criminal history, paints a picture of a man whose actions shocked those who knew him.
This arrest highlights the potential dangers of online radicalization, where shifting political beliefs and anger can culminate in violence. The investigation continues, and the public is left wondering what led Routh from being a self-proclaimed advocate for the homeless to a man charged with an alleged assassination attempt.