FBI Probing 'Apparent' Second Trump Assassination Attempt

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Facts

  • The FBI is investigating an apparent second assassination attempt on former US Pres. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president — this time at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday.[1][2]
  • The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared before federal court Monday and has been charged with two counts — possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He could face more charges.[3]
  • Authorities said Routh, armed with an AK-47 with a scope, was hiding in the bushes on the edge of the golf course about 300-500 yards away from Trump. A Secret Service agent walking the course saw the gun and the agent opened fire, after which Routh fled to his car.[4][5]
  • After an alert containing Routh's vehicle description and license plate was put out, patrol officers from the Martin County Sheriff's office followed him. Sheriff William Snyder said Routh was 'relaxed' during his apprehension.[3]
  • Routh's online presence indicates multiple views ranging from becoming critical of Trump after supporting him in 2018, support for and engagement in Ukraine, interest in COVID conspiracies, and support for both Democratic and GOP candidates.[4][6][7]
  • This comes after a failed assassination attempt in July, when Trump's ear was grazed by a bullet fired at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.[8]

Sources: [1]Daily Wire, [2]New York Post, [3]CNN, [4]FOX News, [5]New York Times, [6]Al Jazeera, [7]ABC News (a) and [8]ABC News (b).

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by Townhall and Federalist. Democrats must stop blocking Trump from receiving more security and more must be done by federal law enforcement and the media to uncover what is going on here. Two assassination attempts are two attempts too many, and more must be done to protect the former president, who may return to the White House after the upcoming election.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Youtube and New York Times. Luckily, no one was hurt in this incident and thankfully Routh was quickly caught. The justice system will now do its job to hold Routh to account, and there will be investigations to find out how Routh got so close to Trump. But it's also important to discuss the easy access to guns that makes these incidents possible in the US.