The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course has sent shockwaves through the nation. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested in connection with the incident and now faces federal charges. As authorities work to piece together his motives and background, more details have emerged about Routh’s lengthy criminal history, political views, and personal grievances. This article delves into everything we know so far about Routh, his ties to global political causes, and the circumstances surrounding the apparent assassination attempt.

On Sunday afternoon, a Secret Service agent stationed at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach spotted a rifle barrel sticking out from a chain-link fence as Trump played golf nearby. Routh, hiding in nearby shrubbery, was within 300 to 500 yards of Trump when the agent opened fire. Authorities are uncertain if Routh had a chance to fire his weapon, but the Secret Service’s swift response likely prevented a deadly attack.

Routh fled the scene in a black Nissan, but law enforcement swiftly apprehended him on Interstate 95 thanks to an eyewitness who reported his license plate number. The rifle found at the scene was an SKS-style 7.62x39 caliber rifle with a scope, and authorities recovered two backpacks filled with ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera. The serial number on the rifle was obliterated, adding to the growing list of federal charges Routh now faces.

Routh has a decades-long criminal history in North Carolina, where he was involved in multiple legal incidents ranging from bad checks and traffic violations to felony firearm possession and possessing a weapon of mass destruction. In 2002, Routh was involved in a three-hour standoff with Greensboro police after barricading himself in his roofing business with an assault rifle. That incident led to his conviction for possessing a fully automatic machine gun, a crime that resurfaced in the FBI's investigation into the attempted assassination.

In recent years, Routh's political views have become increasingly erratic and extreme. Initially a supporter of Donald Trump, Routh later reversed his position, as revealed in his 2023 self-published book, Ukraine's Unwinnable War: The Fatal Flaw of Democracy, World Abandonment, and the Global Citizen. In the book, Routh expressed remorse for supporting Trump and even invited Iran to "assassinate Trump" for pulling the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal. His rhetoric has turned sharply critical of Trump, particularly after the January 6 Capitol riot, which he referred to as a "catastrophe" orchestrated by the former president.

Despite these shifting political views, Routh has donated to various political figures across the spectrum, from Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. His unpredictable allegiances reflect an underlying instability that has only become more pronounced with time.

One of the key elements that law enforcement is investigating is Routh’s connection to Ukraine’s war against Russia. Routh made several trips to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023, even attempting to join Ukraine’s International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, a unit comprised of foreign fighters. However, he was reportedly rejected after failing a psychological screening. Despite this, Routh continued to advocate for the Ukrainian cause, using social media platforms to recruit fighters, including Afghan soldiers who fled the Taliban.

Routh’s online posts are filled with passionate calls to action, asking civilians to join the fight in Ukraine and calling for global intervention. His efforts to support Ukraine included recruiting foreign volunteers and facilitating their illegal entry into the country, though authorities have been unable to verify whether any fighters were successfully recruited.

In his book and social media profiles, Routh depicted himself as a man on a personal mission, often romanticizing the idea of martyrdom for Ukraine’s cause. In one of his posts, Routh expressed a desire to die in battle, stating, “I will sacrifice myself if need be to push the war and the world forward."

Authorities are investigating whether Routh’s fixation on the war in Ukraine, combined with his growing frustration with Trump’s stance on the conflict, may have contributed to his actions. Trump has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s involvement in Ukraine and has been critical of the financial aid given to the country. During a recent debate, Trump refused to explicitly state that he wanted Ukraine to win the war, instead calling for a negotiated peace to "end the human suffering." These statements, combined with Routh's pro-Ukraine advocacy, could suggest a motive tied to Routh's dissatisfaction with Trump’s foreign policy.

Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, has also been critical of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, proposing a controversial “demilitarized zone” as part of a potential peace settlement. Routh’s frustration with Trump and his running mate's stance on the war may have been further fueled by his failed attempts to contribute to Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Routh was officially charged on Monday with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Further charges are expected, though authorities have not yet filed charges related to an assassination attempt. His first court appearance was marked by a subdued demeanor, with Routh even laughing at times with his public defender.

As the FBI continues to investigate Routh’s activities, they are scrutinizing his social media posts, book publications, and past travels, especially his connections to both North Carolina and Hawaii, where he resided before the arrest. Interviews with Routh’s family and friends paint a picture of a man who was politically disengaged for much of his life but became increasingly fixated on global conflicts and extreme political ideologies in recent years.

Despite his long criminal history and erratic behavior, some friends and neighbors expressed surprise at his alleged involvement in the plot. Neighbors from North Carolina and Hawaii recalled him as a quiet man, albeit with a notable collection of firearms. Others, however, described him as “weird” and a loner, hinting at a more complex personality beneath the surface.

Ryan Wesley Routh’s apparent attempt on Donald Trump’s life underscores the dangerous intersection of personal instability and political extremism. His long criminal history, fixation on global conflicts, and shifting political allegiances offer a complex portrait of a man consumed by delusions of grandeur and resentment. As investigators continue to piece together Routh’s motives, the incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for violence in an era of heightened political tensions.