Ryan Routh, 58, portrayed himself online as a man committed to humanitarian causes, claiming to build housing for the homeless in Hawaii and trying to recruit fighters for Ukraine. He also shared his evolving political views, once including support for Donald Trump, followed by disdain, even urging Iran to assassinate the him. “You are free to assassinate Trump,” Routh wrote in his 2023 self-published book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, where he described Trump as a “fool” for the January 6 Capitol riots and for exiting the Iran nuclear deal.
Routh, who once voted for Trump, expressed regret, stating, “I must take part of the blame for the child we elected.” His disdain for Trump culminated in his arrest Sunday, after he stalked the president in West Palm Beach, Florida, armed with an AK-47-style rifle. Secret Service agents intercepted him before any harm was done.
Through extensive social media posts and public records, a picture of Routh emerged as a man with a criminal past and fluctuating political beliefs. His over 500 posts on X showed support for figures across the political spectrum, including Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Nikki Haley, and Trump.
Voter records indicate Routh registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012 and most recently voted in the state’s Democratic primary. He also donated $140 to ActBlue, a Democratic political action committee. Initially supportive of Trump, Routh tweeted in June 2020 that Trump could win reelection by prosecuting police misconduct after George Floyd’s death. However, his support waned over the years, and he later backed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, writing, “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot, and we cannot lose.”
Routh’s online footprint also included a call for Biden and Harris to visit victims of the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, criticizing what he called “Trump’s lack of compassion.” His book on Amazon further detailed his frustrations, rejecting political labels and advocating for women to lead the world, claiming men’s insecurities and childlike behavior were the root of global problems.
Routh was vocal about the war in Ukraine, frequently posting about the conflict and attempting to raise funds and recruit volunteers. A photo on his website showed him wearing a T-shirt and jacket with U.S. flags, encouraging others to fight Russian aggression. He appeared in a 2022 video in Kyiv, holding a placard that read, “We cannot tolerate corruption and evil for another 50+ years. End Russia for our kids.” He also claimed he was going to”fight and die” for Ukraine. Video captured by the AP shows Routh at a small protest in Kyiv’s Independence Square in April 2022, two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Despite his enthusiasm, Ukrainian military officials said Routh never served with their forces. Oleksandr Shahuri of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command described Routh’s proposals as “nonsensical” and “delusional.” Routh’s attempts to engage celebrities like Bruno Mars, Dave Matthews, and Dennis Rodman in his causes were also unsuccessful. Routh also made an appearance in a video shot in front of the U.S. Capitol, where he expressed frustration that Ukraine was not recruiting more of the Afghan commandos he tried to promote.
In addition to his political activity, Routh had a history of run-ins with law enforcement. He was convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction in 2002 after a three-hour standoff with police at his roofing business in North Carolina. Additional convictions included possession of stolen goods, carrying a concealed weapon, and hit-and-run incidents. Despite his criminal record, Routh managed to avoid prison, receiving probation or suspended sentences.
In 2018, Routh relocated to Kaaawa, Hawaii, where he and his son built small wooden sheds to help address the island’s homelessness crisis. “All of us are tired of seeing the homeless people all over the island with nowhere to go,” he said in a 2019 interview. On Sunday, no one answered the door at his colorful house near the beach, which was decorated with wooden cutouts of fish. A pickup truck with a flat tire and a Biden-Harris bumper sticker sat in the driveway.
Neighbors described Routh as a quiet and respectful man. “It’s just been very surprising,” said neighbor Christopher Tam. “If he did have anything to do with it, it’s very shocking to us.”
Routh appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday, where prosecutors stated he is facing charges of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Routh did not enter a plea and was ordered to return to court on Sept. 23 for a pre-detention hearing, with his arraignment set for Sept. 30.
