FBI calls apparent second attempt on Trump's life extremely serious
Photo: Ryan Routh, a suspect in the second Trump assassination attempt (screenshot from Newsweek video)
The FBI is treating a second possible assassination attempt on presidential candidate Donald Trump as extremely serious, according to Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBI Miami Field Office.
The agency is “determined to provide answers as to what led up to the events which took place,” said Special Agent Veltri.
The FBI is still determining whether Ryan Wesley Routh, who was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the assassination attempt, acted alone. "We do not have information that he’s been acting with anyone else at present," the bureau’s spokesperson said.
He also noted that the suspect had an active online presence and that all his posts and search history are being reviewed.
“We’re going through media reports and public statements he made that he wanted to recruit Afghan soldiers and others to fight for Ukraine. The FBI has sent multiple requests to companies for returns on the subject’s phone and social media accounts," said the special agent.
Apparent second assassination attempt on Trump
On Sunday, September 15, Trump’s campaign staff stated that the former president was safe after gunshots were heard near him. Media outlets, citing sources, reported that the shooting occurred near a golf club and was unrelated to Trump.
Later, the FBI described the incident as resembling an attempt to assassinate former President Trump, according to the Associated Press.
The incident took place at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents guarding Trump reportedly noticed an armed individual and opened fire on him. The suspect was later apprehended in his vehicle and remains in custody.
The suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, had previous legal issues and was active on social media, particularly on political topics. According to AP, the man expressed support for Ukraine on social media and allegedly operated a website where he attempted to raise money and recruit volunteers to fight against Russia.
On September 16, the Federal Court in Florida formally charged him.
No information has yet been released regarding the suspect’s possible motives.
