Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man with a history of run-ins with law enforcement, was recently arrested in Martin County in connection with the attempted shooting of Donald Trump. Records show that Routh lived most of his life in North Carolina before relocating to Hawaii in 2018, where he and his son ran a business building sheds. He was known for his social media posts about the war in Ukraine and efforts to recruit volunteers to fight against the Russian invasion in Kyiv. In the past, Routh expressed support for Democratic candidates like Tulsi Gabbard and President Joe Biden, but his recent posts suggest a souring on Trump.
In June 2020, Routh made a post directed at then-President Trump, suggesting that he would win re-election if he issued an executive order to prosecute police misconduct. Despite his previous support for Trump, his recent posts show a shift towards backing Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Following the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, Routh urged Biden and Harris to visit those injured in the shooting and attend the funeral of a former fire chief killed at the rally. Voter records indicate that Routh registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012 and most recently voted in the state’s Democratic Party primary in March 2024.
While living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Routh had multiple encounters with law enforcement, leading to his conviction in 2002 for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, as per online North Carolina Department of Adult Correction records. Federal campaign finance records also show that Routh made 19 small political donations totaling $140 since 2019 to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates. It is clear that Routh has had a troubled past with the law and has been involved in political activism supporting various candidates over the years.
Routh’s move to Hawaii and involvement in the shed-building business was a significant change from his previous life in North Carolina. His social media presence focused on promoting the war in Ukraine and recruiting volunteers to fight against the Russian invasion in Kyiv. Despite his previous support for Trump, his shift towards backing Biden and Harris in recent years is evident in his online posts. Routh’s history of run-ins with law enforcement and his conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction shed light on his troubled past and his involvement in political activism.
The attempted shooting of Donald Trump has brought attention to Routh’s background and his connections to political figures. His social media activity and political donations suggest a level of engagement in the political process, despite his troubled past with law enforcement. Routh’s recent posts indicate a change in his political leanings from supporting Trump to endorsing Biden and Harris. Overall, Routh’s arrest in connection with the assassination attempt on Trump highlights the complex nature of his past and his involvement in political activism over the years.
