58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump in Florida, dropped off a box at a person’s home containing a letter declaring it as an assassination attempt. Law enforcement was alerted by a civilian who received the box with ammunition, phones, and letters. One handwritten letter claimed the failed attempt on Trump’s life was due to his handling of relations with Iran.
Routh was arrested after being spotted by a Secret Service agent with a rifle aimed at Trump at the Trump International Golf Club. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Further investigations revealed Routh’s travel from North Carolina to Florida, as well as a notebook with information related to Ukraine and notes criticizing the Chinese and Russian governments.
Inside Routh’s vehicle, agents found a rifle with a scope and obliterated serial number, an extended magazine, and materials capable of stopping small arms fire like plates and a backpack. A latent fingerprint on the rifle matched Routh. The FBI also found evidence of Routh’s travels and his intentions related to Trump.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided when available. Routh is currently in custody and due to appear in court soon.
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