A recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has brought attention to Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of the incident. A former volunteer for Ukraine’s International Legion has labeled Routh, 58, as “delusional” and a “liar,” especially regarding his claims of recruiting for the Ukrainian military.
Routh was taken into custody after gunshots were fired at Trump during an event at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed and is currently safe, according to both the FBI and his campaign.
In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, Routh claimed to have attempted to recruit Afghan soldiers fleeing the Taliban to join the Ukrainian forces. However, these assertions have been met with skepticism, especially from Russian officials who have suggested a potential link between Routh and a plot against Trump.
Former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev speculated on social media, questioning if Routh had been commissioned by Ukraine for the alleged assassination. In contrast, the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine issued a statement firmly denying any association with Routh.
Aschenbrenner, a former member of the Legion, expressed concerns about Routh’s credibility, claiming he was never part of the organization and had a troubling approach in his communications. Routh reportedly sent lists of recruits and displayed combative behavior when questioned about his practices.
Aschenbrenner recounted an unsettling interaction with Routh on Ukraine’s independence day, where he insisted on moving someone across the border during an active security alert, prompting further doubts about his judgment.
The situation escalated when Routh allegedly leaked personal information online, leading to unwanted calls from soldiers seeking to fight in Ukraine. According to Aschenbrenner, Routh seemed to have an inflated sense of purpose, believing he was the key to aiding Ukraine.
Routh is expected to appear in court in Florida soon. Earlier reports had identified him as the head of the International Volunteer Center (IVC) in Ukraine, a group that supports volunteer efforts and humanitarian aid in the region. Notably, his earlier online presence included controversial support for Ukraine, contrasting with critical views towards Trump expressed in 2020.
In recent posts, Routh has continued to express his views, including a bold message to Elon Musk about purchasing a rocket to target Russian leadership. As this case develops, it’s clear that the narratives surrounding Routh and his motivations are complex and troubling.