Ryan Routh, 58, portrayed himself online as an activist involved in various causes, from building housing for the homeless in Hawaii to recruiting fighters for Ukraine against Russia. His political views were notably eclectic, showing support for and later disdain toward figures like Donald Trump.
In his self-published 2023 book *Ukraine’s Unwinnable War*, Routh criticized Trump for the January 6 Capitol riots and pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, even going as far as to urge Iran to assassinate Trump.
Routh, who once voted for Trump, later blamed himself for contributing to Trump’s presidency, which he saw as a mistake. Despite his earlier support, he became increasingly critical of Trump, expressing support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in recent years.
Routh’s political activity extended to small donations to Democratic causes and participation in political discourse on social media, where he had over 500 posts, supporting figures from across the political spectrum.
Routh’s recent actions took a darker turn when he was arrested for allegedly stalking the GOP presidential nominee in West Palm Beach, Florida, while armed with an AK-47-style rifle. Authorities suspect it was an assassination attempt, which was thwarted by the Secret Service.
Activist Ryan Routh Arrested for Alleged Assassination Attempt After Shift in Political Views and Erratic Behavior
Routh’s background includes a criminal history, with felony convictions and a reputation for erratic behavior, though his neighbors in Hawaii described him as respectful and kind.
Routh’s political and social activism also included fervent support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. He posted extensively about the war on social media and even visited Kyiv in 2022, where he participated in protests and visited memorials for foreigners killed in the conflict. Despite his attempts to aid the Ukrainian cause, military officials dismissed his efforts as delusional, and he never served in the Ukrainian army.
His online presence also showed a pattern of grandiose and unrealistic ideas, such as recruiting Afghan commandos for Ukraine or trying to organize global tributes with celebrities like Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews. He reached out to public figures like Dennis Rodman in an attempt to influence international diplomacy, reflecting his wide-ranging but often impractical ambitions.
Routh’s life in Hawaii appeared quiet on the surface, with him working on projects to address homelessness. However, his past included serious criminal charges and a history of mental instability. Despite his neighbors’ positive impressions, his recent actions have shocked those who knew him, leaving many surprised by his apparent involvement in such a dangerous incident.
