Ryan Wesley Routh: Suspected Trump Assailant Hid Near Golf Course for 12 Hours Before Confrontation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump, was reportedly stationed near Trump’s Florida golf course for approximately 12 hours before being detected by the Secret Service. Prosecutors revealed that Routh, who now faces federal charges, was apprehended after the Secret Service agent spotted him and took action.

According to the criminal complaint filed Monday, Routh, 58, is charged with two federal gun offenses: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Despite having a semiautomatic rifle with him, Routh did not fire during the encounter.

The Secret Service's acting director, Ronald Rowe, confirmed that Routh did not have Trump in his line of sight during the standoff, and there was no evidence suggesting Routh had accomplices. Investigators discovered a loaded SKS-style rifle, food, and a digital camera in Routh’s possession after the confrontation.

The lengthy period Routh spent near the golf course has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service's protective measures. This incident marks the second time in roughly two months that a threat has come dangerously close to Trump, prompting President Biden to call for increased support for the Secret Service.

In a related development, Trump attributed the incident to what he termed “inflammatory language” from Democrats, calling for a reduction in their rhetoric while continuing to criticize them.

Routh, who appeared in court wearing a blue jumpsuit, has a history of legal issues, including a 2002 felony conviction for possessing a weapon of mass death and destruction. He was previously investigated by the FBI in 2019 on allegations of firearm possession as a felon.

Facing serious charges, Routh could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted—15 years for felonious firearm possession and up to five years for the obliterated serial number.

Despite the recent developments, Trump’s campaign plans remain unchanged. He is scheduled for a livestream event Monday evening to unveil a new cryptocurrency venture, followed by a town hall in Flint, Mich., on Tuesday and a rally in Uniondale, N.Y., on Wednesday.