A man charged in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump left behind a disturbing note, according to court documents.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, left a box with a letter stating "This was an assassination attempt" months before his arrest, according to NBC News. He was ordered to remain in jail during a court hearing on September 23, 2024.
The box, which also contained ammunition and four phones, was discovered by a civilian who contacted law enforcement after learning about the incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on September 15. The handwritten letter addressed "To The World" included a statement admitting to a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
On September 15, a Secret Service agent moving ahead of Trump during a golf outing spotted a partially obscured face and a rifle barrel aimed in their direction. The agent fired at the individual, who then fled the scene.
Routh was subsequently arrested on Interstate 95 after being spotted by a witness. He now faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Authorities conducted a search of Routh's Nissan Xterra, uncovering six cellphones, multiple pairs of gloves, and various documents. One cellphone contained a Google search for travel routes from Palm Beach County to Mexico.
Court documents indicate that Routh had been surveilling the area for weeks prior to the incident. Cell site records showed that he had traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach on August 14.
From August 18 to September 15, Routh's cellphone accessed towers near Trump International and Mar-a-Lago on multiple occasions. A notebook found in his possession contained lists of Trump's appearances and expected venues for August, September, and October.
FBI Special Agent Jessie Hayden stated:
Any established ties to Southern District of Florida is for one reason only, and that was to kill former President Trump.
Law enforcement discovered a rifle with an attached scope and obliterated serial number at the golf course, along with an extended magazine and body armor plates. A fingerprint found on the firearm preliminarily matched Routh's.
The suspect's vehicle contained multiple license plates, suggesting an attempt to conceal his movements. Additionally, investigators found a notebook with entries related to Ukraine, criticisms of the Chinese and Russian governments, and discussions about joining the fight for Ukraine.
During the court hearing, Routh appeared emotionless, wearing a blue jumpsuit and shackles. His defense attorney mentioned that Routh's sister, a licensed attorney in North Carolina, was willing to house him if released on bail.
Ryan Wesley Routh's arrest and the subsequent revelations have shed light on an apparent assassination plot against former President Donald Trump. The discovery of incriminating evidence, including a confession note and surveillance details, led to Routh being held in jail pending trial. The incident at Trump International Golf Club on September 15 was thwarted by quick-acting Secret Service agents, preventing a potentially dangerous situation.
