Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old man accused of plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump earlier this month, allegedly penned a note months in advance detailing his plan to kill Trump, according to court documents released by federal prosecutors on Monday. The note, intended for an unnamed individual, disclosed Routh’s intention to carry out the assassination while Trump was golfing at his Mar-a-Lago resort in south Florida.
National Review reports that on Monday, Prosecutors revealed that Routh wrote a letter “to the world” in case his attempt to kill Trump failed. In this letter, Routh reportedly expressed regret, writing, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”
Routh’s note also described Trump as morally unfit to be president, reflecting the themes in a self-published manifesto where Routh called on Iran to kill Trump and expressed remorse for his previous support of the former president. The FBI reviewed portions of this manifesto as part of their investigation.
Routh’s social media history and political donations suggest that he underwent a significant ideological shift. Once a Trump supporter, he later became a passionate Democrat. His online activity showed an increasing focus on international issues, particularly Ukraine. Routh even attempted to recruit volunteers to fight for Ukraine, leading to interviews with mainstream media outlets.
Routh’s plot was foiled on September 15 when a Secret Service agent spotted his rifle hidden in the bushes of Trump’s golf course. Before Routh could fire a shot, the agent opened fire, forcing Routh to flee. Law enforcement apprehended him shortly afterward with the help of a witness. Authorities found a loaded SKS-style rifle equipped with a scope, a digital camera, and two bags at the scene.
Phone records show that Routh had been in place surveilling Trump’s golf course for 12 hours prior to the attempted assassination. Investigators identified Routh as the rifle’s owner using a fingerprint found on a piece of tape attached to the weapon. A search of his vehicle uncovered six cellphones, notes about joining the war in Ukraine, and a list of Trump’s scheduled public appearances.
Federal prosecutors are arguing that Routh should remain in detention as he awaits trial, citing the premeditated nature of his plot and the detailed preparation outlined in his notes. The FBI continues to investigate whether Routh acted alone or if any further plans were in place. Prosecutors also disclosed that Routh had a criminal record and had previously come to the attention of the FBI after being accused of illegally possessing a firearm.
