Alleged Assassination Plot Against Trump Involves Attempt to Acquire Military Weapons
Ryan Wesley Routh is accused of seeking a rocket launcher from Ukraine as part of a broader assassination attempt against the former president.
Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man, attempted to procure a rocket launcher from Ukraine in August 2024, just one month before his arrest for alleged assassination plotting against former President Donald Trump, according to a recent filing by the Justice Department (DOJ) in the Southern District of Florida.
Routh is currently facing multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination.
Prosecutors allege that he was in communication via an encrypted messaging app with an individual he believed to be a contact with access to military-grade weaponry.
In one exchange, Routh allegedly requested, 'send me an RPG [rocket-propelled grenade] or Stinger and I will see what we can do...[Trump] is not good for Ukraine.'
On September 15, 2024, Routh was reportedly seen pointing a rifle at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was present.
No shots were fired during the incident, and Routh subsequently fled the scene.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Details from the DOJ's motion indicate that Routh's attempts to acquire anti-aircraft weapons are regarded as direct evidence of his alleged assassination plot.
Routh purportedly expressed intentions to act against Trump, stating, 'I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.' Furthermore, he allegedly mentioned that during war, equipment loss goes unnoticed, indicating a preparedness to use such means against Trump.
Evidence presented includes a photo of Trump's aircraft, which Routh reportedly documented, stating, 'Trump's plane, he gets on and off daily.' Additionally, investigators have cited communications between Routh and an individual named 'Ramiro,' who resides in Mexico, as further evidence of Routh's plan to evade law enforcement after September 15.
The motion filed by the DOJ also highlights Routh's alleged involvement with stolen license plates and several aliases that he used in his communications.
Prosecutors characterized Routh's actions as lying 'squarely within the realm of an attempt on [Trump’s] life,' emphasizing Routh's statements regarding his intention to destabilize Trump's re-election prospects.
As of now, the judge has not made a ruling regarding the government's motion, while Routh's next court hearing is scheduled for April 15, with a trial anticipated to commence in September 2025.
Routh is currently facing multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination.
Prosecutors allege that he was in communication via an encrypted messaging app with an individual he believed to be a contact with access to military-grade weaponry.
In one exchange, Routh allegedly requested, 'send me an RPG [rocket-propelled grenade] or Stinger and I will see what we can do...[Trump] is not good for Ukraine.'
On September 15, 2024, Routh was reportedly seen pointing a rifle at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was present.
No shots were fired during the incident, and Routh subsequently fled the scene.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Details from the DOJ's motion indicate that Routh's attempts to acquire anti-aircraft weapons are regarded as direct evidence of his alleged assassination plot.
Routh purportedly expressed intentions to act against Trump, stating, 'I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.' Furthermore, he allegedly mentioned that during war, equipment loss goes unnoticed, indicating a preparedness to use such means against Trump.
Evidence presented includes a photo of Trump's aircraft, which Routh reportedly documented, stating, 'Trump's plane, he gets on and off daily.' Additionally, investigators have cited communications between Routh and an individual named 'Ramiro,' who resides in Mexico, as further evidence of Routh's plan to evade law enforcement after September 15.
The motion filed by the DOJ also highlights Routh's alleged involvement with stolen license plates and several aliases that he used in his communications.
Prosecutors characterized Routh's actions as lying 'squarely within the realm of an attempt on [Trump’s] life,' emphasizing Routh's statements regarding his intention to destabilize Trump's re-election prospects.
As of now, the judge has not made a ruling regarding the government's motion, while Routh's next court hearing is scheduled for April 15, with a trial anticipated to commence in September 2025.
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