Police have released dramatic body camera footage showing the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump in Florida. This incident marks the second alleged attempt on Donald Trump’s life within two months. The footage provides a detailed look at the moment of Routh’s arrest, capturing the suspect, calm and compliant, wearing sunglasses and a light pink t-shirt, as he slowly walks backward with his hands raised above his head. Law enforcement officers quickly handcuffed him, following the instructions heard on the footage. “Take two steps to your right. Go straight back, keep walking,” an officer directed as others moved in to secure the suspect.
The arrest occurred approximately 45 minutes after Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents at the Donald Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Donald Trump was playing an unscheduled round of golf. Prior to the arrest, Routh had hidden in the bushes at the club for nearly 12 hours, waiting for an opportunity to approach the former President. However, his plan was thwarted when Secret Service agents noticed the muzzle of his rifle protruding from his hiding spot. Officers opened fire, causing Routh to flee the scene.
The suspect was around 300 yards away from Donald Trump when he was first spotted by agents. A 45-minute chase ensued, with security officials tracking Routh down after a witness provided a photo of his vehicle to the authorities. The vehicle, found with a stolen license plate, contained only Routh when authorities arrested him. At the scene, police recovered a loaded assault-style rifle, a digital camera, and a bag of food, all of which were left at the location where Routh had concealed himself.
Routh, a resident of Hawaii with a criminal history, was subsequently charged with two firearm-related offences. While his exact motive remains unclear, investigators are examining his past social media activity, which shows a conflicted view of Donald Trump. Routh had reportedly voted for Donald Trump in 2016, but his later posts reveal growing disappointment and criticism of the former President. Despite this, it remains uncertain why Routh allegedly decided to target Donald Trump.
This latest arrest comes at a time when political tensions in the US are particularly high, raising concerns about the safety of political figures and the escalating threats surrounding their security.
