Multiple law enforcement sources tell ABC News that the man arrested by Florida authorities in Sunday’s potential assassination attempt at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Donald Trump was golfing, has been identified. He is 58-year old Ryan Wesley Routh.
Sources familiar with the investigation say officials are looking into whether Routh had grievances related to Ukraine and was frustrated with Trump’s position on the issue. The former President was unharmed. A Secret Service agent clearing the next hole ahead of Trump is credited with stopping the alleged assassin. He saw a rifle muzzle at the fence line and fired shots.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:
“I’m grateful that former President Trump is safe, and I’m thankful to the Secret Service and local law enforcement for responding swiftly. Political violence has absolutely no place in our country.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23):
“The recurring political violence targeting President Trump is unacceptable and deeply un-American, this is not who we are as a nation, and it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Unfortunately, instead of cooling tensions after the first assassination attempt in which President Trump was shot. Democrats, Kamala Harris, and the media have turned up the inflammatory rhetoric, further fueling division and violence. Given the escalating threats, I’m calling on President Biden to issue President Trump the same security levels afforded to a sitting President to ensure his safety.
“I want to thank the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift and decisive actions to keep President Trump safe and apprehend the individual behind this second assassination attempt. This individual must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to send a clear message that these acts of violence have no place in our society.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24):
“I am relieved to hear that President Trump is safe after another attack on his life.
“Thank you to the courageous Secret Service agents for their swift response. We must unify to end this wave of political violence against President Trump.
“It is inexplicable that this happened again. At this point, the threat level against President Trump requires the same, if not more Secret Service protection than a sitting President.”
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
