Ryan Wesley Routh : Man in Custody After Trump Golf Club Incident Has Extensive Criminal History

 

Ryan Routh./Ryan Routh Facebook

Ryan Wesley Routh, a-year-old man, is currently in custody following an incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, which authorities are treating as an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Routh's arrest on Sunday has brought to light his extensive and troubled past, marked by numerous run-ins with the law.

Long History of Criminal Convictions

Routh's criminal record spans several decades, with significant activity in North Carolina. Key aspects of his history include:

• Machine Gun Conviction: In 2002, Routh was convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, specifically a fully automatic machine gun. This conviction followed a vehicle chase and a standoff at a roofing company in Greensboro, North Carolina.
• Multiple Arrests: Court records reveal over 100 criminal counts filed against Routh in North Carolina, primarily in Guilford County, which includes Greensboro. These charges range from carrying a concealed weapon and possession of stolen property to hit-and-run and resisting an officer.
• Civil Judgments: Routh was also involved in multiple civil judgments related to a roofing managed, with contractors and individuals suing him.

Recent Incident Details

On Sunday, Routh was taken into custody after shots were fired near Trump International Golf Club. Here are the key details of the incident:

• Assassination Attempt: Authorities believe Routh intended to target former President Trump, who was safely escorted off the golf course after the incident.
• Arrest and Custody: Routh was spotted by U.S. Secret Service agents, who opened fire after seeing him lift an AK-47. He fled in an SUV but was quickly apprehended by a Martin County sheriff’s traffic unit on Interstate 95.
• Prosecution: The federal government is taking over the prosecution, with the U.S. Justice Department expected to file charges. Palm Beach County State’s Attorney Dave Aronberg indicated that charges could include attempted assassination, even if Routh did not open fire.

Background and Current Residence

Routh, a native of North Carolina, has various locations. His recent residence was in the small coastal community of Kaaawa on Oahu’s eastern shore in Hawaii, where he moved in 2017.

This incident highlights Routh's complex and troubling history, which includes of criminal behavior and significant interactions with law enforcement over the years.