Man charged in connection with an apparent assassination plot targeting former President Donald Trump in Florida left behind a letter confessing to the attempt, according to a court filing. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested on Sept. 15 after being spotted with a rifle near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. He now faces charges related to gun crimes and is set to appear in court on Monday.
The letter reveals assassination intent
Court documents revealed that Routh had previously dropped off a box at an acquaintance’s home that included a letter stating, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.” The letter further criticized Trump’s foreign policy, particularly regarding his stance on Iran, blaming him for destabilizing the Middle East.
The chilling confession was discovered when the recipient of the box opened it on Sept. 18, following news of the incident at the golf club. In addition to the letter, the box contained ammunition, four phones, and several other written notes.
Arrest at Trump International Golf Club
Routh was arrested after a Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of a rifle aimed at him from the brush along the perimeter of the golf course. The agent fired at Routh, who fled the scene but was quickly apprehended on nearby Interstate 95 after being spotted by a witness.
The rifle, found later by investigators, had an obliterated serial number and was equipped with a scope and an extended magazine. Additional items found at the scene included a backpack and protective plates capable of stopping small arms fire.
A web of evidence
Law enforcement’s investigation uncovered extensive evidence tying Routh to the assassination attempt. His Nissan Xterra, searched after his arrest, contained six cell phones, 12 pairs of gloves, a driver’s license, a passport, and documents related to Trump’s whereabouts. One document listed upcoming dates and locations where Trump had appeared or was scheduled to appear.
Routh’s cell phone records revealed that he had traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach in mid-August and had repeatedly accessed cell towers near Trump’s properties over several weeks.
Among the most alarming discoveries were Routh’s handwritten notes, which included discussions about joining the fight in Ukraine and criticisms of the Chinese and Russian governments.
Court filing requests pre-trial detention
The U.S. District Court filing, seeking Routh’s detention before trial, outlined the evidence against him, including a latent fingerprint found on the rifle that matched his own. Investigators also noted that Routh’s vehicle carried a license plate not registered to it, along with two additional plates.
Routh faces two gun-related charges: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The discovery of this plot has heightened security concerns surrounding Trump, particularly as the former president continues to make public appearances ahead of the 2024 election. The Secret Service has not commented on any adjustments to Trump’s security detail but remains vigilant in protecting high-profile individuals.
Ongoing investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together Routh’s motivations and connections. His focus on Trump, his extensive surveillance of the former president’s activities, and the items found in his possession raise serious questions about the level of threat posed by this incident.