The Justice Department continues to build their case against alleged assassin Ryan Routh with even more unsettling evidence uncovered this week. According to reports, months before his attempted attack, Routh sent packages containing ominous letters to an unidentified recipient.
In one letter addressed generally to "Dear World," Routh openly admitted his intentions to assassinate Trump. What's more disturbing is that he tried to solicit others to complete the job for pay. This level of detailed premeditation is bone-chilling for any avid golfer or sports fan.
As an expert on golf course security and operations, I cannot imagine the headaches such a threat must have caused. To have a would-be assassin on the property for over two weeks scouting as well makes it even more concerning, as Routh must have gained deep familiarity with access points and routines.
Ryan W. Routh, suspected of attempting to assassinate Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf property, stands handcuffed after being arrested during a traffic check near Palm City, Florida, on September 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff's Office/Handout via Reuters)
Thankfully authorities were able to trace these disturbing letters back to Routh before any copycats potentially emerged. But it shows the cold calculation of a troubled mind obsessed with harming others.
In one recently uncovered letter, Routh criticized Trump's fitness for office - showing a clear political motivation behind his actions.
Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump using this firearm.
Records also indicate Routh traveled from his North Carolina home to the Palm Beach area in mid-August, nearly a month before the attack. Authorities believe cell data placing his phone near Trump's golf course and nearby Mar-a-Lago residence on multiple occasions suggest he was conducting surveillance in the weeks leading up to September 15th.
Incredibly, investigators discovered Routh self-published a book last year touching on many of the themes now under scrutiny. Titled "Ukraine's Unwinnable War: The Fatal Flaw of Democracy, World Abandonment and the Global Citizen-Taiwan, Afghanistan, North Korea, WWIII and the End of Humanity" it discusses global crises and even calls on Iran to assassinate both Trump and Routh himself. This level of concerning ideation in writing is a serious red flag that was clearly not an isolated incident.
According to reports, his self-published book contained passages directly calling on Iran to assassinate both Donald Trump and Routh himself as penance.
Court documents quote lines from the book where Routh admits fault for helping elect Trump's "brainless" presidency, before stating they were "free" to assassinate the former president in response. The fact such concerning ideation was put out for public consumption is exceedingly troubling.
Meanwhile, Routh now faces initial federal charges related to the weapon allegedly used during last month's incident at Trump's Palm Beach club. Authorities state the loaded firearm had its serial number scratched out, and Routh's past felony convictions barred him from possession.
Ryan Routh camped overnight on the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach with an SKS-style rifle, a rucksack, and a shopping bag. Preliminary ballistic testing revealed that both bags included plates capable of blocking small weapons fire. (Department of justice)
Alleged assassin Ryan Routh was in federal court today facing the initial charges connected to the illegal firearms uncovered in this disturbing case. However, officials made clear the investigation is far from over.
Records show Routh may have been intending to flee to Mexico after the incident, as cell data placed searches for travel from Palm Beach County during his months surveilling the area. This premeditation will surely factor into any eventual charges.
Investigators also commended the observant witness who made contact with Routh and was able to photograph his vehicle during the hectic escape. This crucial evidence allowed law enforcement to track down the suspect quickly before he could evade capture.
Both state and federal authorities have weighed in, with Florida's governor indicating the state will pursue further charges as well. The local prosecutor revealed potential aggravated assault charges are possible considering Routh's reported interactions with secret service on scene while brandishing his weapon.
As this process continues unfolding, it's certain more will be understood about Routh's disturbed mindset and detailed plans in the weeks leading up to this terrible event. Justice certainly seems the appropriate path based on the severity of his alleged actions.
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