Federal prosecutors have revealed that Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, sought to acquire military-grade weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, from a contact in Ukraine as part of his alleged plot. Routh, 58, was arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, after fleeing Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where he was found with an SKS-style rifle equipped with a scope.
Fox News provides additional information regarding Routh’s reported communications with his Ukrainian counterpart:
Routh told his associate to “send me a rpg [rocket-propelled grenade] or stinger, and I will see what we can do… [Trump] is not good for Ukraine,” according to court documents obtained by Fox News.
The pair discussed Routh’s purchase options, with Routh inquiring if his associate could “ship it to me???” before explaining his intent for the military-grade weapons: “I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.”
Routh went on to say the weapons of war get lost “all the time on the battlefield” and “one missing would not be noticed,” according to the court records.
Prosecutors say that Routh also floated the idea of obtaining a rocket or missile launcher, with the suspect sending his associate an image of President Trump’s plane and writing, “Trump’s plane, he gets on and off daily.”
Authorities allege that Routh meticulously planned the assassination attempt over several weeks. A search of his vehicle uncovered a handwritten list of dates and venues where Trump was scheduled to appear, as well as a note detailing his intentions. In the note, Routh reportedly stated, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you,” and offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job.” (RELATED: Trump Assassination Threat Discovered In Foreign Propaganda Paper)
Following his arrest, Routh pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. His trial, initially set for February 2025, has been postponed to Sept. 8, 2025, to allow his defense team additional time to review evidence and consider an insanity defense.
In December 2024, then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced state charges against Routh for attempted felony murder. These charges stem from a traffic accident that occurred while Routh was fleeing the scene, which resulted in serious injuries to a six-year-old girl.
Routh remains in federal custody at the Federal Detention Center in Miami as he awaits trial.
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If Routh is found to be insane then he should be confined to a secure mental institute without the possibility of release.
Connections to those who might have hired him?
So this ignorant deluded fool wanted to play God. I trust he will never see the light of day again.