Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, had a long and complicated history leading up to the July shooting at a Pennsylvania rally. Recent reports have revealed details about Routh’s past, his support for Ukraine, and his apparent regret over once supporting Trump.
Key Facts:
- Background:
Routh, 58, originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, moved to Hawaii in 2018, where he ran a shed-building business with his son. Public records indicate he lived in Kaaawa, Oahu, with Kathleen Shaffer. - Criminal History:
Routh has a criminal record stretching back to 2002 when he was convicted for possession of a weapon of mass destruction after a standoff with Greensboro police involving a fully automatic machine gun. He was convicted again in 2010 for possession of stolen goods. - Involvement in Ukraine:
In 2023, the New York Times interviewed Routh about his involvement in Ukraine, where he had spent several months volunteering. He had expressed a desire to recruit former Afghan soldiers to join the Ukrainian fight against Russian forces, even mentioning his willingness to “fight and die” for Ukraine in now-deleted posts on X. - Assassination Plans:
Prosecutors claim Routh had expressed plans to kill Trump months before the rally, offering $150,000 to “whomever can complete the job.” He reportedly left a box containing ammunition, tools, and a letter admitting his failed attempt at assassination, with the note: “I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster.” - Political Shifts:
Despite once voting for Trump in 2016, Routh later expressed regret over the decision. In 2019 and 2020, he donated to Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue and showed support for candidates like Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Nikki Haley.
The Arrest:
- Body Cam Footage:
Footage of Routh’s arrest shows him being detained by Martin County officers after fleeing the scene of the shooting. He was stopped 45 minutes after the shots were fired, following a tip from a witness who saw him jump into a car. Routh was arrested without incident and is currently being held without bail, with prosecutors arguing he is a flight risk and poses a public danger.
Support for Ukraine:
- Volunteering Efforts:
Routh had been actively involved in efforts to support Ukraine during the war. He reportedly attempted to recruit Afghan soldiers and arranged for the delivery of 120 drones to the front lines. His fiancé, Kathleen Shaffer, ran a GoFundMe campaign for Ukraine’s International Volunteer Center, raising $1,865 to support these efforts.
What’s Next:
- Upcoming Court Dates:
Routh faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Prosecutors are pushing for him to remain in custody until his trial, with his next arraignment scheduled for September 30.
Surprising Fact:
Although Routh once supported Trump, his political views shifted dramatically. Alongside his support for Ukraine, Routh donated to Democratic causes and aligned himself with a mix of candidates, including Tulsi Gabbard and Republican figures like Vivek Ramaswamy.
The investigation into Routh’s actions continues, with law enforcement piecing together his motivations and activities leading up to the attempted assassination.
