Second Trump Assassination Attempt Shakes Tight Election Race
Would-be assassin Ryan Routh was charged today with federal gun crimes in connection to his failed attempt on Trump’s life. Here’s everything we know so far about the second failed assassination attempt on former President Trump.
In a chilling development in an already heated election season, former President Donald Trump survived what appears to be a second assassination attempt, raising concerns about escalating political violence in the U.S. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested and charged with federal gun crimes after being discovered by Secret Service agents while apparently lying in wait for Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club. This incident, following a previous attempt in Pennsylvania, has rattled the nation just weeks before the presidential election.
Trump Assassination Attempt Details
Routh, who has a history of criminal activity, including a felony conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction, reportedly camped near Trump International Golf Club for over 12 hours, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Armed with an SKS-style rifle, Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents conducting security checks ahead of Trump’s game. According to authorities, the agent immediately opened fire, causing Routh to flee, leaving behind his rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera.
In a press conference following the incident, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw praised the quick actions of the Secret Service, saying:
“The Secret Service did exactly what should have been done. They engaged the threat immediately.”
Source: Associated Press YouTube
Routh’s Background and Political Connections
The timing of this assassination attempt, so close to the November election, has added further strain to an already fraught political climate.
Trump, who was not harmed during the attack, issued a statement shortly after the incident, assuring supporters of his safety.
“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL,” Trump said.
Routh, who has no formal military experience, has been identified as having a complex background, including involvement in international conflicts. Social media posts suggest that he was a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia. BBC Verify reports that Routh traveled to Ukraine in 2022 and advocated for the recruitment of Afghan soldiers to join the fight against Russian forces. His posts on social media were filled with anti-China rhetoric, pro-Palestinian sentiments, and warnings of biological warfare.
Yet, Routh’s political views appear contradictory. Despite his support for Ukraine and various progressive causes, he registered as an unaffiliated voter and, in recent years, expressed both support and discontent with prominent political figures, including Trump. Records show he made small donations to Democratic candidates and expressed admiration for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. His motivations remain unclear.
Political Responses and Accusations
At the time of his arrest, Routh reportedly told a judge that he had “zero funds” in his bank account and relied on a modest income from his business in Hawaii, where he operated a shed-building company with his son. Court documents reveal that Routh has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement over the years, including a conviction in 2002 for possessing a fully automatic machine gun.
Political leaders have been quick to respond to the assassination attempt. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the attack, saying, “Violence has no place in America. I am glad the former president is safe.” Addressing the National HBCU Week Conference, President Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. “America has suffered too many times from the tragedy of an assassin’s bullet,” Biden said, calling for increased resources for the Secret Service to prevent further violence.
Trump, meanwhile, has not shied away from pointing fingers. In a statement to Fox News, he blamed Biden and Harris for fostering a political environment that encourages violence.
“Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying it,” Trump said.
His comments, while deflecting from the incident itself, have further deepened the political divide.
Rising Concerns About Political Violence
This is the second attempt on Trump’s life this year. In July, Trump was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an attack that left one supporter dead and prompted Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, allowing Harris to take the Democratic nomination. Trump’s campaign has since faced mounting security threats, and law enforcement has significantly ramped up protection around him.
As the investigation into Routh’s motives and affiliations continues, the broader concern about rising political violence remains a critical issue in the lead-up to November. Authorities have warned that this could be just one of many future incidents.
“We are grateful that the former President is safe,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “But we must remain vigilant. The level of political violence in this country is unacceptable, and it is something we must address with every resource available.”
With heightened tensions and the prospect of more attacks, the 2024 election may be remembered as one of the most volatile in U.S. history. As Trump continues his campaign for a return to the White House, questions about the state of American democracy and the safety of its leaders are more pressing than ever.
Trump Media (DJT) Stock Declines
Shares of Donald Trump’s company Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT), which were already under pressure due to its looming lock-up deal expiration, dropped another 6.6%, closing today at $16.14.
YTD, DJT stock is down 7.51%. All time, DJT stock is up 62.37%.
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