Would-be Trump assassin tried to purchase a US Stinger Missile from Ukraine to kill President Trump. Who was funding him?
| Published April 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled a chilling and unsettling account of a would-be assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, who had set his sights on former President Donald Trump. According to court documents, Routh’s intentions were not only violent but alarmingly sophisticated, involving advanced weaponry and a broad network of potential accomplices. His plot, which began taking shape in 2024, offers a disturbing look into the lengths some individuals are willing to go to target public figures.
The Escalation of Ryan Routh’s Plot
The DOJ’s recent revelations have sent shockwaves through the public, particularly as they outline the extreme measures Routh sought to undertake in order to carry out his mission to assassinate the former president. Court documents indicate that Routh, during interactions with an individual he believed to be a Ukrainian contact, sought military-grade weapons, including the rare and highly sought-after Stinger missile. These weapons are known for their use in anti-aircraft defense, yet Routh had planned to use them in his attack on Trump to ensure the former president could never return to the White House.
The documents show that Routh was not shy about his intentions, describing his desire to stop Trump from running in the 2024 election. He allegedly said, “I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected,” signaling that his motivation was not only driven by hate but also by a personal belief that Trump’s political career must be ended by any means necessary. This extreme rhetoric and determination highlight the extent of Routh’s plans and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to achieve his goal.
The Connection to Other Assassination Attempts
Routh’s case is disturbing not only because of his intentions but also due to its possible connections to broader assassination attempts against Trump. Investigators have uncovered that Routh discussed his plans to assassinate Trump in July 2024, which, notably, aligns with a separate assassination attempt by another individual, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot at Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Although Crooks was neutralized by security, the close timing and similar targets suggest that Routh and Crooks may have shared motivations, or even been part of a larger network seeking to eliminate Trump.
This raises serious questions about whether there were others involved in or encouraging such plots, possibly indicating a broader, more organized campaign against the former president. The FBI and other intelligence agencies are now working diligently to explore any potential links between Routh, Crooks, and other possible conspirators.
So was the CIA running Ryan Routh?
And why was he not arrested in July if he was plotting to kill the former President in Pennsylvania?
Holy smokes!
Routh, two months later, on September 15, 2024 was hiding in a bush with a firearm where he was seconds from killing President Trump playing golf in Palm Beach.
The Staggering Cost of the Plot
One of the most unsettling aspects of Routh’s plan is the level of sophistication and financial investment it entailed. Routh did not just seek small arms or typical weaponry; he actively attempted to procure a Stinger missile, which can cost upwards of $50,000 to $80,000 on the black market. Such a weapon is not only difficult to acquire but also highlights the high degree of premeditation involved in Routh’s plot.
The investigation is now focusing on where Routh obtained the resources to finance such a dangerous and expensive plan. While Routh’s personal finances were not immediately suspicious, the involvement of unknown parties willing to fund the procurement of such weaponry raises further concerns. Was Routh acting alone, or did he have outside support? If so, who were these backers, and what was their involvement in the plot?
Security Failures and Oversights
Routh’s ability to get as close as he did to Trump without raising alarms is another aspect of the case that has drawn intense scrutiny. In August 2024, Routh was able to approach one of Trump’s golf courses in West Palm Beach, Florida, carrying weapons and preparing to carry out his attack. Authorities have revealed that Routh had already scouted the area and set up a sniper’s nest in the surrounding area to ensure he could carry out the attack with maximum precision.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the security measures that were supposed to protect Trump during his private visits. Despite the tight security around the former president, Routh’s ability to enter the vicinity undetected reveals a significant lapse in monitoring and intelligence, something that will certainly be scrutinized in the wake of this shocking revelation.
Legal Proceedings and Possible Consequences
As of now, Ryan Routh is in federal custody, facing multiple charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, illegal possession of firearms, and conspiracy. His trial is scheduled to begin in September 2025, following a delay requested by his legal team, which has indicated the need for more time to review the vast amount of evidence presented by the prosecution.
Given the gravity of the charges and the extreme nature of his actions, Routh faces significant legal consequences if convicted. The trial will likely serve as a landmark case, not only in terms of the legal challenges surrounding an assassination plot against a U.S. president but also in the context of the broader issue of political violence.
The Broader Implications of Routh’s Actions
Routh’s plot to assassinate Trump is not just an isolated incident but a stark reminder of the growing levels of political violence in the U.S. The case underscores the dangers that high-profile figures face, particularly when they are at the center of polarized political debates. The fact that Routh sought military-grade weapons and coordinated his actions with an individual he believed was linked to international arms dealers suggests a level of organization and premeditation that is alarming.
This case also raises questions about the broader political climate in America and the growing use of violence to solve political disputes. While Routh may have acted alone, his extreme measures reflect the broader anxieties and frustrations that some individuals may feel toward the political system. The question remains: how many others, like Routh, are out there planning similar acts, and what can be done to prevent such violence in the future?
Conclusion: The Need for Vigilance
As the legal proceedings against Ryan Routh move forward, the nation will be watching closely. The chilling nature of his plot to assassinate a former president not only raises alarms about security but also about the deep divisions in American society. While Routh may have failed in his attempt, the motivations behind his actions serve as a warning sign that more must be done to protect public figures and address the underlying political tensions that fuel such violence.
The case is a stark reminder that the fight for democracy and the safety of its leaders is ongoing, and the nation must remain vigilant in the face of rising extremism. As the investigation continues, one can only hope that lessons will be learned, security measures will be strengthened, and such dangerous plots can be thwarted before they come to fruition.
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