Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of plotting an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, is being revealed as a deeply troubled individual with a history of bizarre behavior and criminal activity. Reports have painted a picture of a man with delusions of grandeur, who once attempted to recruit foreign fighters for Ukraine's war effort, only to be rejected by those he sought to impress.
Routh, 58, was arrested after allegedly lying in wait for Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was found with an SKS-style rifle, leading to federal charges of weapons violations. This incident marks the latest chapter in a life filled with strange and erratic actions.
In March 2023, Routh traveled to Ukraine with the intention of joining the fight against Russian forces. However, he quickly became an outcast among the international volunteers, who dismissed him as a "wack job" with a "messiah complex." One American volunteer, speaking anonymously to the New York Post, described Routh as "a crazy idiot" desperate to be seen as important. Evelyn Aschenbrenner, an American who served in Ukraine's international legion, echoed these sentiments, telling USA Today that Routh gave off "a delusions of grandeur thing, like a religious zealot."
Routh's efforts to recruit others for the Ukrainian cause further isolated him. He reportedly attempted to enlist former Afghan commandos, sending a list of "five to six thousand Afghan names" to Aschenbrenner, who questioned the legitimacy of his efforts. "Who has vetted them? Do they even have passports? Do they have military experience?" she recounted, highlighting Routh's lack of authority in such matters.
The bizarre nature of Routh's behavior extends far beyond his recent activities. His former neighbors in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Routh once resided, have recounted tales of unusual behavior and a troubled past. Kim Mungo, who lived next to Routh for 18 years, described the family as "weird," recalling how they once kept a live horse inside their house. "But I could see the guns and stuff and all. They were... oh, I mean, kind of weird. But they didn't bother me. I didn't bother them," Mungo told reporters.
Routh's criminal record in Guilford County, North Carolina, is extensive, spanning several decades. His charges range from writing bad checks to felony firearm possession and even possession of a "binary explosive with a 10-inch detonation cord and a blasting cap" in 2002. Despite these alarming charges, neighbors like Mungo recalled Routh as a "sweet" man who never expressed strong political views, making his recent actions all the more shocking.
Routh's ex-wife and daughter have also been drawn into the spotlight. Civil court records show that Routh's daughter lived with him full-time after his 2003 divorce, while his son lived with his ex-wife. In 2009, Routh's ex-wife expressed concerns about his "financial situation" and agreed to terminate child support requirements. Neighbors reported seeing police activity at her home on the night of Routh's arrest, suggesting that authorities are investigating further connections.
Federal authorities have charged Routh with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. However, additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
