Federal prosecutors have revealed that Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, attempted to procure military-grade weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and a Stinger missile, from a contact he believed to be in Ukraine. Court documents indicate that in August 2024, Routh communicated via encrypted messaging apps, stating, “Send me a rpg [rocket-propelled grenade] or stinger, and I will see what we can do… [Trump] is not good for Ukraine.”
Routh and his associate discussed the logistics and costs of acquiring these weapons, with Routh inquiring if the items could be shipped to him. He expressed urgency, stating, “I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.” Recognizing the challenges of legally obtaining such weapons, Routh suggested that equipment lost on the battlefield might go unnoticed.
In addition to seeking heavy weaponry, Routh allegedly conducted reconnaissance trips to West Palm Beach, Florida, between March and April 2024. He reportedly scouted locations associated with President Trump and later provided a friend with a box containing burner phones, ammunition, and a letter outlining his assassination plan.
On September 15, 2024, Routh allegedly positioned himself near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, armed with a military-grade SKS rifle. Secret Service agents spotted him before he could act, leading to a brief pursuit and his subsequent arrest. Authorities recovered the rifle, two backpacks containing ballistic plates, a GoPro camera, and documents indicating his intent to join the conflict in Ukraine.
Routh has been charged with attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2025.
