The arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the recent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, has sparked a closer look at his extensive criminal history and foreign activities. U.S. intelligence agencies are under scrutiny as investigators explore whether Routh’s background could provide critical insights into his motives and connections.
Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, confirmed that the Department of Justice National Security Division is working closely with local U.S. Attorney’s Offices to investigate the incident. Veltri emphasized that federal and local agencies are collaborating to execute search warrants and gather intelligence.
Former FBI agent Jeff Danik expressed surprise that Routh was not already known to U.S. intelligence, given his extensive criminal record and foreign travel. Danik speculated that Routh’s activities in Ukraine and his recruitment efforts in Afghanistan would likely have attracted the attention of agencies such as the CIA and NSA. He questioned whether these agencies had monitored Routh’s communications prior to the recent assassination attempt.
Routh’s criminal history includes multiple charges, such as felony possession of a machine gun and carrying a concealed weapon. Despite his convictions, records indicate he did not serve prison time, which has raised questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement and the FBI’s follow-up on a 2019 tip regarding his firearm possession.
In Greensboro, North Carolina, Routh’s criminal behavior was well-known among local police, who frequently responded to incidents involving him. In a notable case from 2002, Routh barricaded himself in his business after a traffic stop, leading to a prolonged standoff with police. This incident, along with his subsequent activities, suggests a pattern of concerning behavior.
Routh’s recent foreign activities include travel to Ukraine, where he sought to fight against Russia and later attempted to recruit ex-Afghan soldiers. His efforts to support Ukraine and his outspoken criticism of Trump, including controversial statements in his book, have drawn significant attention.
Routh’s book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, advocates for Ukraine’s victory and controversially permits Iran to assassinate Trump. This rhetoric, combined with his foreign recruitment activities, has led to questions about his potential connections with extremist groups or foreign operatives.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine if Routh’s criminal past and foreign connections were known to U.S. intelligence agencies and whether they had any prior indications of his violent intentions. The outcome of this investigation may provide clarity on how such a high-risk individual slipped through the cracks of national security monitoring.
