- Federal prosecutors say Ryan Wesley Routh attempted to buy a rocket launcher from Ukraine to kill President Donald Trump. He also sent photos of Trump’s plane and discussed travel plans to Mexico after the alleged attempt, according to court filings.
- Routh was arrested in September 2024 after being seen with a rifle near Trump’s golf club in Florida.
- The DOJ is seeking to admit evidence of Routh’s aliases, stolen license plates and conversations that show escape intentions.
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A Florida man allegedly tried to buy a rocket launcher from Ukraine as part of a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to a new Justice Department filing submitted Monday, April 7.
Federal prosecutors said Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old, attempted to acquire anti-aircraft weapons in August 2024, just weeks before he was arrested outside of Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The DOJ describes the attempt as “direct evidence of his assassination attempt.”
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In the court filing, the DOJ wrote, “Attempting to purchase a destructive device to blow up President Trump’s airplane lies squarely within the realm of an attempt on his life,” citing Routh’s own words that he needed “equipment so that Trump cannot get elected.”
Prosecutors said Routh told his contact that “those items [are] lost and destroyed daily” in war, and “one missing would not be noticed.”
Encrypted messages and Ukrainian contact
According to prosecutors, Routh was communicating through an encrypted messaging app with someone he believed was a Ukrainian associate. During their conversations, Routh allegedly asked for a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or a Stinger missile.
“Send me an RPG or Stinger and I will see what we can do,” Routh reportedly said, adding, “[Trump] is not good for Ukraine.”
Routh also sent a photograph of Trump’s plane with the message: “Trump’s plane, he gets on and off daily.” Prosecutors said this demonstrates his intent to target the president.
Routh’s September 2024 arrest
Routh was arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, after he was reportedly seen pointing a rifle through a tree line at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. Trump, then a presidential candidate, was playing golf at the time but was not harmed.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Alleged escape plans and aliases
The DOJ is seeking to admit further evidence, including Routh’s communications with an individual named “Ramiro” in Mexico. Prosecutors claim the messages suggest Routh planned to flee the country after the alleged attempt.
The government also alleges that Routh stole license plates and used multiple aliases to avoid detection. In conversations, he reportedly discussed the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania and responded with “I wish.”
