On September 15, 2024, as Donald Trump was playing golf at his private club in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Secret Service intercepted a man with an SKS-style rifle hidden in shrubbery near the course. No shots were fired at Trump, but the suspect—later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh—was arrested and charged with plotting an assassination. The incident marked the second attempt on Trump’s life in 2024 and exposed new vulnerabilities in his security protocols.
Political and Social Context
By late summer 2024, Trump was the Republican nominee for a highly contentious election. A year marked by division, protests, and rising incidents of political violence had ramped up concerns over candidate safety. Trump’s golf outings—traditionally seen as low-risk—now faced scrutiny due to their unpredictability and high media profile.
The Plot
The alleged assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58‑year‑old North Carolina man, positioned himself approximately 300–500 yards away from Trump, hiding in rough terrain with an SKS-style rifle, scope, two backpacks, a GoPro camera, and ceramic tiles—apparently to conceal the rifle’s flash or ricochet. He had spent around 12 hours on-site before being noticed.
Routh’s motives remain murky. He reportedly had a prior weapons conviction and mixed political leanings—from supporting Trump to later expressing anti-Trump sentiments and even calling for violence against him.
Timeline
- September 15, mid‑morning: Trump arrives at his West Palm Beach golf club.
- 1:31 p.m.: A Secret Service agent spots Routh’s rifle barrel protruding from shrubbery; agent fires, but Routh flees the scene.
- Shortly after: Routh is arrested off-site; the rifle and other materials are recovered.
The Assassination Attempt
Though no shots were fired at Trump, the situation met the criteria of an assassination attempt: Routh was armed, concealed, equipped with surveillance gear, and positioned to potentially target the former president. His presence near the course for over 12 hours heightened suspicion.
Trump was promptly removed by Secret Service; no injuries were reported.
Immediate Aftermath
Once the gun was spotted, Trump was safely evacuated and the suspicious site was secured. Law enforcement confirmed that Trump was unharmed. President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed and released a statement, applauding the swift law enforcement response.
Investigation and Arrests
- Ryan Wesley Routh charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Weapons and surveillance gear seized; ballistic and forensic analysis conducted.
- FBI is treating the case as domestic terrorism.
Trial and Legal Proceedings
In court, Routh pleaded not guilty. His trial, set for September 8, 2025, is before Judge Aileen Cannon. Prosecutors plan to introduce evidence of his long-term plotting beginning in February 2024, including communications involving a Mexican-based accomplice (“Ramiro”).
Punishments and Legacy of the Conspirator
If convicted, Routh faces life imprisonment. His actions showcased how relatively unmonitored individuals can draw close enough to high-profile targets, especially during private events. The investigation also uncovered deeper plots and communications suggesting possible foreign links—although none have been confirmed publicly.
Long-Term Impact on the Nation
The incident prompted a bipartisan House task force critique, finding significant lapses in Secret Service security planning at Trump’s golf club—especially perimeter sweeps and surveillance coordination. Recommendations included enhanced K‑9 patrols, drone monitoring, and better coordination with local law enforcement.
The attack also fueled public debate over political violence. Trump’s supporters rallied around his resilience—especially after seeing images of him pumped-fist defiant from the Pennsylvania rally incident.
Controversies and Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories spread rapidly online. Some claimed the incident was staged to gain political sympathy; others pinned blame on political opponents. However, all major law enforcement sources confirmed that Routh acted alone and that no shots reached Trump. Misinformation was quickly debunked.
Primary Source Appendix
- FBI press statements and DOJ filings (September 2024–January 2025)
- Court documents in United States v. Routh (Case No. 24‑CR‑XYZ)
- Media coverage from AP News, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, Business Insider, CBS News, CNN, The New York Times (September–December 2024)
- Bipartisan House report on security vulnerabilities (December 2024)
- Secret Service internal reviews and Senate hearing transcripts on candidate safety (Fall 2024)
- Analysis of “raised-fist” photography and public reaction