
Ryan Wesley Routh, the alleged would-be assassin of President Donald Trump, has a criminal record and foreign connections that are now under intense scrutiny. His previous run-ins with the law and recent activities in Ukraine are raising significant questions about U.S. intelligence’s prior knowledge of him.
Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, has confirmed that the investigation into Routh’s assassination attempt is being coordinated with the Department of Justice National Security Division. This includes extensive efforts to execute search warrants and gather pertinent information.
Former FBI agent Jeff Danik expressed his surprise that Routh was not already flagged by U.S. intelligence. Danik noted that Routh’s criminal history and foreign activities should have made him a point of interest for agencies like the CIA and NSA. He emphasized that Routh’s involvement in Ukraine and his recruitment attempts in Afghanistan would have likely warranted closer monitoring.
Routh’s extensive criminal record includes felony possession of a machine gun and other serious charges. Despite these convictions, he did not serve time in prison, which raises concerns about the efficacy of law enforcement follow-up. A 2019 tip about Routh possessing a firearm as a felon was referred to local authorities but appears not to have led to further action.
In Greensboro, North Carolina, Routh was a well-known figure to local police due to his frequent run-ins with the law. His 2002 standoff with police, after a traffic stop, highlights his volatile behavior and resistance to authority.
Routh’s recent activities include efforts to recruit foreign fighters in Ukraine and previous financial support for progressive causes. His controversial book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, also contains inflammatory remarks about Trump and advocates for extreme measures against him, further complicating the profile of the alleged assassin.
The investigation into Routh’s actions and connections continues, with a focus on understanding whether U.S. intelligence agencies had any prior indications of his violent intentions or connections to extremist groups. The outcome may shed light on potential gaps in national security monitoring and the handling of high-risk individuals.