The 58-year-old Routh, known for his political commentary and long history of arrests, was apprehended after a dramatic encounter near Trump’s golf course in Florida. Armed with an AK-47 style rifle, Routh emerged from shrubbery and fled in a black vehicle, prompting US Secret Service agents to open fire. Despite their efforts, he managed to escape but was later tracked down.
Previously, AFP had interviewed Routh in Kyiv in 2022, where he voiced strong support for Ukraine against Russia. His social media posts also reflected this stance, with Routh expressing a willingness to fight for Ukraine.
Described by CNN and CBS as a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, Routh had been outspoken on political issues, including criticism of Trump. This incident occurs amid heightened political tensions in the US, with the presidential election potentially influencing future policies on Ukraine.