Ryan Routh, 58, has been identified as the suspect arrested in the alleged assassination attempt of Donald Trump. While authorities continue to investigate the situation, his son is now speaking out in his defense.
Oran Routh told the Daily Mail that his father, Ryan, is not a fan of the Republican nominee. However, the 35-year-old insists that his dad is not violent and expressed his shock at hearing the allegations against him.
“He’s my dad, and all he’s had is a couple of traffic tickets, as far as I know. That’s crazy. I know my dad and love my dad, but that’s nothing like him,” Oran stated to the outlet. He continued, “He’s not a violent person.” Oran Routh also emphasized that his father is “a hard worker and a great dad. He’s a great dude, a nice guy and has worked his whole f–king life.” However, he candidly admitted, “I don’t like Trump either.”
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Ryan Routh has had some previous run-ins with the law, in addition to a couple of traffic tickets. He was reportedly arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon of mass destruction, referring to a fully automatic machine gun. This incident followed a three-hour standoff with police, during which he barricaded himself inside a roofing business in Greensboro, NC, according to news reports. Additionally, he was involved in an alleged squatting situation in 2019.
More on His Alleged Assassination Attempt
As previously reported, the Republican presidential nominee was at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, around 2 p.m. on Sunday when Secret Service agents, who were patrolling the course multiple holes ahead of him, noticed a gun barrel protruding from the bushes near the property line. In response, they opened fire on Ryan, prompting him to drop an AK-47-style assault rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera before fleeing the scene. Authorities later apprehended him after he attempted to escape.
Ryan is due in court this morning, according to sources from CNN, but there has been no word yet on possible charges.
In the meantime, Trump has spoken out to thank everyone for their concerns. He said ok Truth Social:
“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
We will keep you updated as more details emerge.