Trump assassination attempt suspect charged with two gun-related crimes

The suspect in Former President Donald Trump's latest assassination attempt appeared in federal court Monday morning and was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The U.S. Secret Service opened fired on Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, after an agent spotted a rifle barrel poking through a chain-link fence and bushes outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida Sunday afternoon. Trump was reportedly playing a few holes of golf behind that agent.

Routh fled in a black Nissan and was spotted northbound on Interstate 95 toward Martin County, 50 miles from the golf course. Routh pulled over and was taken into custody. Investigators said two backpacks, an assault rifle with a scope, and a GoPro camera were found where the agent spotted the armed suspect.

This second assassination attempt comes just two months after Trump was shot by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.

Trump took to Truth Social Sunday evening, thanking everyone for their concern and well wishes after the assassination attempt.

"Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN," the post stated.

Routh purportedly posted about politics, including a number of posts about Trump on his X account. On post dated June 11, 2020, "While you were my choice in 2106, I and the world hoped that president Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointment and it seems you are getting worse and devolving; you are ret**ded; I will be glad when you gone."

According to reports, Routh appears to have an extensive criminal record which includes; barricading himself in an office with a gun during a three-hour standoff after fleeing a traffic stop in 2002; drug possession, operating a vehicle with no insurance; driving without a license; and run-ins with police since the 1990s.

A motive for both assassination attempts have not been disclosed by investigators.

The U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be holding a press conference at 3 p.m. Monday.