Ryan Wesley Routh

The Life and Times of Ryan Wesley Routh: The Man Behind the Alleged Assassination Attempt

In the shadow of the towering palm trees of West Palm Beach, an unexpected threat emerged against one of the most controversial figures in American politics. The date was September 15, 2024, and the target was none other than Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and then-presidential candidate. At the center of this audacious plot was Ryan Wesley Routh, a man whose past was as tumultuous as the event that would catapult him into the national spotlight.

Early Life and Background

Born on February 18, 1966, in Guilford County, North Carolina, Ryan Wesley Routh's early years were rooted in Greensboro. He was the son of Daniel Wesley Routh and Marjorie Patton Fearing and attended North Carolina A&T State University for a brief period in 1995. Over the years, Routh tried his hand at running a roofing business, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

His personal life was equally eventful. In January 1989, he married Lora Frances Wilson, and the couple had three children before their marriage ended in divorce in 2003. Routh's life took a dramatic turn on April 2, 1991, when he confronted Terrance Bryant, a suspected rapist and criminal, around an office building. His bravery earned him accolades from the Greensboro chapter of the International Union of Police Associations, who honored him as a "super citizen."

But Routh's interactions with the law were not always virtuous. On December 15-16, 2002, he was involved in a tense standoff with police, leading to convictions for possessing a firearm, resisting arrest, and driving with a revoked license. His criminal record only grew from there, leading to probation for various offenses over the years, including driving without a license and possessing stolen goods.

Life in Hawaii and Political Views

In 2018, Routh relocated to Kaʻaʻawa, Hawaii, where he started a shed-building business with his son, Adam Routh. His relationship with his other son, Oran Alexander Routh, was strained, though Oran later described his father as a "loving and caring" man. However, neighbors like Kim Mungo had mixed feelings, finding Routh's extensive gun collection unsettling, despite maintaining a generally cordial relationship with him.

Routh's political activities became notable during the Russo-Ukrainian War. He claimed to have attempted to recruit foreign soldiers for Ukraine, although his actual involvement remains disputed. Evelyn Aschenbrenner, a former volunteer with Ukraine's International Legion, dismissed Routh's claims as delusional, while Chelsea Walsh, a travel nurse who met Routh in Ukraine, warned authorities about his volatile nature.

The Assassination Attempt

On that fateful September day in 2024, Routh was allegedly discovered with an SKS semiautomatic rifle at the Trump International Golf Club. Secret Service agents fired at him as he pointed the weapon through a fence, although he never fired back. Routh fled the scene but was apprehended later that day on Interstate 95 in Martin County. His charges included attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assaulting a federal officer.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Routh's trial began on September 8, 2025, after he pled not guilty to the charges. The Department of Justice unveiled a note he had written, indicating his intentions to assassinate Trump. FBI investigations revealed that Routh had stalked Trump around his golf course and Mar-a-Lago residence, and documents found in his possession listed potential venues for further attacks.

In a bizarre twist, Oran Routh, Ryan's son, faced his own legal troubles when authorities discovered child pornography on his devices during a search of his home. Oran was sentenced to seven years in prison, claiming political persecution.

A Complex Personality

Throughout the pre-trial phase, Routh's behavior was erratic. He penned letters comparing himself to historical figures and movie characters, expressing his disdain for both major political parties and contemplating civil unrest. His defense team even considered an insanity plea, pointing to evaluations that described him as delusional.

Ryan Wesley Routh's story is one of contradictions—a man hailed as a hero for his past bravery, yet reviled for his alleged part in a political assassination plot. As his trial continues, the nation watches closely, pondering the motives and circumstances that led this once-ordinary citizen to the brink of infamy.

Sources

For further reading, please visit the original Wikipedia article: Ryan Wesley Routh.