Gunman After Trump Hid for 12 Hours on Golf Course Before Secret Service Caught Him

Federal prosecutors revealed on Monday that the gunman targeting former President Donald Trump during an attempted assassination on Sunday hid near Trump's golf course for almost 12 hours before being spotted by the Secret Service. The suspect, Ryan Routh, allegedly positioned himself in the bushes surrounding the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, and waited for hours before his gun barrel was noticed by an agent.

Routh’s cell phone had been tracked near the golf course as early as 1:59 a.m. on Sunday, while Secret Service agents spotted the gun at around 1:30 p.m. that afternoon, according to the criminal complaint. The Secret Service opened fire when they saw the weapon, causing Routh to flee. He was later detained by local authorities in Martin County, Florida.

Investigators discovered an AK-47-style rifle, a GoPro camera, and backpacks in what they described as Routh’s “sniper nest,” hidden near the course where Trump was playing. The motives behind how Routh knew Trump’s location or how he acquired the firearm remain under investigation. Routh, who was previously convicted of possessing a machine gun in 2002, should have been legally barred from owning a firearm.

Martin County Sheriff Will Snyder expressed concerns that the incident could be part of a larger conspiracy. “How does a guy from not here get all the way to Trump International…with a rifle in that vicinity?” Snyder questioned, adding that federal authorities are “laser-focused” on uncovering whether Routh acted alone or was part of a broader plot.

• Routh was detected near the course around 2 a.m. and found with an AK-47-style rifle and recording equipment.

• Routh’s previous conviction should have barred him from owning firearms.

• Authorities are investigating whether Routh acted as part of a conspiracy or if he was a lone gunman.

This is the second assassination attempt on Trump in recent weeks, raising alarms about the safety and security of the former president as the 2024 election approaches. Routh’s social media posts also reveal his growing disdain for Trump. In one post, Routh wrote, “I will be glad when you gone,” indicating a personal motive for the attack.

Federal authorities are continuing their investigation into Routh’s background, his motives, and whether he acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort.

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