Lagatar24 Desk
Florida: Police have released bodycam footage showing the intense moment of arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This marks the second attempt on Trump’s life in two months.
The footage reveals a composed Routh, dressed in a light pink t-shirt and sunglasses, walking backward with his hands over his head before being handcuffed by law enforcement officers. The video also captures officers instructing Routh as they moved in to secure him. “Take two steps to your right. Go straight back, keep walking,” one officer directed, as others quickly closed in to make the arrest.
Details of the Arrest
Routh was apprehended around 45 minutes after being spotted by Secret Service agents at the golf club where Trump was playing a round of golf. The suspect had reportedly hidden in the bushes for nearly 12 hours, waiting for the opportunity to strike. His rifle was detected by vigilant Secret Service personnel, who opened fire, prompting Routh to flee.
The suspect was located approximately 300 yards away from Trump at the time of detection. After a witness provided authorities with a photo of Routh’s vehicle, a 45-minute chase ensued, leading to his arrest. His vehicle was found with a stolen license plate, and authorities discovered a loaded assault-style rifle, a digital camera, and a bag of food at the spot where he had been hiding.
Motives and Background
While the exact motive behind Routh’s alleged plan to target Trump remains unclear, authorities noted that Routh had a criminal history and is a resident of Hawaii. Interestingly, social media posts reveal that Routh voted for Trump in 2016, but he later became a vocal critic of the former President, expressing disappointment in a series of online posts.
Routh has been charged with two firearm-related offences. As the investigation continues, officials are looking into the suspect’s recent activities and motives.
This incident follows an earlier failed assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July, when a shooter grazed Trump’s ear with a bullet during a public event. The Secret Service has since admitted shortcomings in protecting the former president during that attack.
