A North Carolina man allegedly tried to shoot down Trump’s plane and take him out with a sniper rifle—now he’s headed to trial in a case shaking the Secret Service.
At a Glance
- Ryan Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump
- He allegedly tried to buy military-grade weapons, including a missile
- Secret Service confronted him near Trump’s golf course
- Defense claims the eyewitness ID is flawed and inadmissible
- Trial set for September 8, with life in prison on the line
Alleged Plot Involved Anti-Aircraft Weapons
Ryan Routh, 59, stands accused of orchestrating an elaborate attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump during a round of golf in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prosecutors allege Routh made contact with an individual he believed to be a Ukrainian arms dealer in a bid to obtain military-grade weapons—including a rocket-propelled grenade and a surface-to-air missile.
Court documents reveal Routh expressed a desire to “stop Trump from being elected” and proposed using the weapons to bring down Trump’s private jet. His arsenal reportedly also included plans to use a .50-caliber rifle. The federal complaint states Routh conducted multiple surveillance trips from his home in North Carolina to Palm Beach International Airport, suggesting an extensive premeditated plan.
Watch CBS News’ detailed report on Routh’s alleged plot and arrest.
In one particularly damning message to the undercover agent, Routh wrote, “Send me an RPG or Stinger and I will see what we can do… [Trump] is not good for Ukraine,” echoing motivations tied to international politics.
Secret Service Intervened on Golf Course
On September 15, 2024, Routh allegedly approached Trump International Golf Club carrying an illegally owned semi-automatic SKS-style rifle. Though he was spotted between 300 to 500 yards from Trump, authorities say he did not have a clear shot. Secret Service agents confronted him, prompting Routh to flee the scene—leaving behind the rifle, a loaded magazine, and a digital camera.
He was later apprehended 50 miles away. According to the indictment, Routh had arranged a potential escape plan with a man named “Ramiro” in Mexico. Prosecutors argue that this connection, along with the surveillance and weapons procurement, demonstrates clear intent and a sophisticated plot.
Eyewitness Testimony Under Scrutiny
Routh’s defense team is attempting to suppress critical eyewitness evidence, alleging that the identification procedures used by law enforcement were “unduly suggestive” and unconstitutional. The motion to exclude this testimony is expected to play a pivotal role in the trial’s outcome.
Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump-appointed federal judge, is presiding over the case, which is scheduled to begin September 8. If convicted, Routh could face life in federal prison without parole.
The unfolding legal battle raises troubling questions about domestic extremism and the vulnerabilities in safeguarding political figures—even in seemingly low-risk settings like a golf course.
