BTN News: Federal investigators are reviewing the online activity of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect behind a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The FBI and other agencies are working to determine Routh’s motive, examining whether anyone else was involved in the plot. Authorities apprehended Routh, 58, near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where he had been lurking for over 12 hours with a loaded rifle.
FBI Probes Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump
Suspect Found Lurking Near Trump’s West Palm Beach Golf Course
On Sunday night, Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested by Florida sheriff’s deputies after he was found hiding near the perimeter of Donald Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. Routh, a convicted felon, was armed with a rifle, raising alarms about the safety of the former president. According to authorities, the suspect had been hiding for approximately 12 hours in a secluded area between two holes of the course, waiting for a possible opportunity to strike.
Investigators confirmed that Routh had no line of sight toward Trump at any point during the ordeal. Although no shots were fired, the proximity of the suspect to the former president prompted a rapid response from the Secret Service, highlighting the increasing security concerns surrounding Trump.
FBI Investigates Suspect’s Online Footprint
Authorities Scrutinize Routh’s Social Media and Devices
Following his arrest, Routh refused to speak with the FBI, invoking his right to an attorney. This has led investigators to focus on his digital footprint. FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Veltri stated that the agency is analyzing Routh’s online activity, including posts and searches, to uncover a possible motive.
Routh’s history on social media suggests a complex relationship with Trump. While he appeared to support Trump in earlier years, more recent posts indicated a growing disenchantment. This shift is highlighted in a 2023 self-published book, where Routh expressed support for foreign governments to take violent action against Trump. In one passage, he urged Iran to assassinate Trump, referring to the former president as a “buffoon.”
The FBI has obtained warrants to search Routh’s GoPro camera, other electronic devices found at the scene, and those left at previous addresses. Additionally, the agency is interviewing Routh’s friends, family, and former colleagues to uncover any further details about his behavior leading up to the incident.
Secret Service Praises Agents’ Quick Response
Trump Credits Secret Service for Preventing Attack
Although this was an unplanned visit to his West Palm Beach golf course, Trump was still under the protection of the U.S. Secret Service. Ronald Rowe, acting director of the Secret Service, lauded the agents’ vigilance, stating that their swift action prevented a potential tragedy. Rowe also emphasized that Routh never had a clear line of sight to the former president during the time he was hiding near the golf course.
Trump, speaking on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), thanked the Secret Service for their “amazing work” but expressed concerns about security measures moving forward. “We need more people on my team,” he stated, reinforcing the need for expanded security as he continues to face public threats.
Biden and Trump Call for Increased Secret Service Support
Both Leaders Urge Congress to Address Security Needs
In response to the incident, President Joe Biden voiced support for expanding the resources available to the Secret Service. “The Secret Service needs more help,” Biden told reporters, urging Congress to address these needs as threats against high-profile political figures continue to rise.
Trump echoed this sentiment, though he also pointed fingers at the current administration. In comments made to Fox News, Trump blamed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for fostering a divisive political climate that encourages violence. “Their rhetoric is getting people to shoot at me,” Trump said, adding that his efforts are focused on “saving the country,” while accusing his political opponents of destroying it from within.
Political Rhetoric at the Heart of Growing Concerns
FBI Examines Potential Political Motivations
As the FBI continues its investigation, the political climate surrounding the event remains under scrutiny. While no evidence currently links Routh to any larger conspiracy, his anti-Trump statements and self-published book have raised concerns about the influence of extreme rhetoric. Veltri emphasized that the FBI is still exploring whether others were involved in the plot.
For now, investigators are working to answer pressing questions: What drove Routh to hide near Trump’s golf course with a loaded rifle? Was this part of a broader plan, or a lone act fueled by personal frustration? As details continue to emerge, the event has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of public figures and the role of heated political discourse in inspiring violence.
Secret Service Under Pressure Amid Growing Threats
Increased Security Measures Needed as Trump Campaigns
The Secret Service is no stranger to handling threats against former presidents, but the latest incident highlights the evolving nature of these risks. Acting Director Ronald Rowe acknowledged that while the agency has been effective in thwarting threats, the strain on resources is growing. “We’ve done more with less for decades,” Rowe said, underscoring the agency’s need for additional personnel and resources to ensure the safety of those under their protection.
Both Trump and Biden have pointed to Congress to provide the necessary funding to bolster the ranks of the Secret Service. With Trump’s ongoing campaign for the 2024 election, ensuring his security will remain a top priority.
Conclusion
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump by Ryan Wesley Routh has sparked an intense FBI investigation and renewed concerns over the security of high-profile political figures. As authorities work to piece together the suspect’s motive and possible connections, the broader political environment and the role of social media in shaping extremist views come into focus. Both Trump and Biden have called for increased support for the U.S. Secret Service, recognizing the growing threat landscape as the 2024 election season unfolds.
