Identification of Donald Trump’s Suspected Shooter: Ryan Wesley Routh

Suspected Shooter of Donald Trump Identified

Law enforcement officials have identified the man suspected of shooting at former President Donald Trump as Ryan Wesley Routh. At 58 years old, Routh has a complex background that includes significant time spent in North Carolina before relocating to Kaaawa, Hawaii, in 2018. There, he and his son operated a business focused on building custom sheds, as indicated by an archived version of their company’s website.

Routh was active on social media, frequently sharing his views on various topics, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He even maintained a personal website aimed at raising funds and recruiting volunteers to support efforts in Kyiv against the Russian invasion. His online presence also showcased his political views; in June 2020, he directed a post on X towards then-President Trump, suggesting that Trump would secure re-election if he issued an executive order for the Justice Department to address police misconduct.

In that same year, Routh expressed his support for the Democratic presidential campaign of Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Representative from Hawaii, who has since changed her political alignment to endorse Trump.

Recent Developments

Despite his previous support for Trump, Routh’s online activity appears to have shifted in recent years, showing a growing affinity for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Following an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania in July, Routh publicly called for Biden and Harris to visit the victims recovering in the hospital and to attend the funeral of a former fire chief who died during the rally.

Voter Registration and Political Donations

Voter registration records indicate that Routh registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012. His most recent participation in the electoral process was during the state’s Democratic Party primary in March 2024, where he voted in person. Furthermore, federal campaign finance records reveal that Routh made a total of 19 small political donations, amounting to $140 (€126) since 2019, using his Hawaii address to contribute to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates.

Legal Troubles

While residing in Greensboro, North Carolina, Routh had multiple encounters with law enforcement, culminating in a conviction in 2002 for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, as documented in online records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. This history adds another layer to the profile of a man who has recently been thrust into the national spotlight due to his alleged actions against a prominent political figure.