Ryan W Routh, a 58-year-old man suspected of planning to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has been charged with two gun-related crimes after being caught with a loaded rifle at the perimeter of Trump’s Florida golf course. Routh did not fire any shots, and authorities believe he was lying in wait for nearly 12 hours before he was apprehended by Secret Service agents.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt on the former president, and Routh is now facing charges of illegally possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. This is the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months, raising concerns about the security around the former president.
The incident has sparked discussions about the violent nature of US politics and how an armed suspect was able to get so close to a high-profile figure like Trump. Investigators are now trying to determine how Routh knew of Trump’s golfing plans, as Trump’s schedule is not made public.
Routh has prior felony convictions in North Carolina, including possession of an unregistered fully automatic gun. The FBI is analyzing his social media posts for clues about his motive for targeting Trump. Routh has shown support for both Trump and Biden in the past but has expressed concerns about Trump’s impact on US democracy.
The Secret Service has been under scrutiny since the last attempt on Trump’s life in July, prompting a review of security measures surrounding the former president. Both Biden and Harris have condemned the violence and pledged to ensure Trump’s safety. The investigation is ongoing to uncover more details about Routh’s alleged assassination attempt.
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