On September 15, 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Routh, who reportedly supported Ukraine's war efforts, had ties to the Helsinki Commission, a U.S. congressional body focusing on European security. In 2023, he met with commission members in Washington, D.C., citing frustrations over the rejection of Afghan soldiers he attempted to recruit to fight in Ukraine.
Routh's apparent obsession with Ukraine was documented in a 2023 New York Times interview. He expressed a willingness to fight and die for the country, and even considered illegal methods, such as obtaining passports in Pakistan to move soldiers into Ukraine. His interview revealed his extreme measures and delusional views, with Ukrainian officials distancing themselves from him.
🚨Donald Trumps Second Would Be assassin Ryan Routh was recruiting soldiers to fight for Ukraine. He had struggles admitting Afghan soldiers trained by the U.S as 🇺🇦 fears possible spies. Potential connection to the CIA via former agent Soo Kim, she seemingly follows Routh on X pic.twitter.com/wllDNeAFxM
— Thomas (@Thomas984634784) September 16, 2024
The Helsinki Commission meeting Routh attended was focused on aiding Ukraine, which seemed to fuel his extremist views. In fact, his radicalization stemmed from fears that Trump’s reelection might cut off American support for Ukraine. His efforts included encouraging foreign fighters to join the conflict, despite being rejected by Ukrainian authorities due to concerns about Russian infiltration.
Federal investigators are now piecing together Routh's motives. His deep involvement in Ukraine’s war, coupled with his belief that Trump’s victory could threaten Ukraine, allegedly drove him to plot an assassination. His arrest followed the failed attempt at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf course, where security measures prevented the tragedy.
Second Trump assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, was connected to Rep Adam Kinzinger through his support of Ukraine. Here he’s being interviewed by Newsweek about his effort to recruit mercenaries to fight in Ukraine.
1/2 #Trump #US #Ukraine #TrumpAssassinationAttempt pic.twitter.com/S13lQSAzj9— Milady Dracula 🇺🇲 (@MiladyUSA) September 16, 2024
In the days following Routh's arrest, Ukraine’s International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine disavowed any connection with him.
While Routh had publicly expressed support for Ukraine, his involvement was deemed unapproved by the country's military, which had already faced scrutiny over rogue foreign volunteers.
The incident underscores the growing concern over radicalized individuals fixating on political events, with Ukraine's war becoming a focal point for many extremists. Routh’s case raises questions about how Western policies on Ukraine influence individuals who perceive such conflicts through a distorted lens. As investigations continue, officials are also examining whether any mental health issues contributed to Routh's erratic behavior.
The Trump assassination attempt is just the latest in a series of politically motivated incidents targeting high-profile figures. Security around the former president remains heightened, with further scrutiny of individuals involved in foreign conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Routh now faces federal charges for gun crimes, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of his plot and international connections.
