Greensboro police reveal details of would-be Trump assassin Routh

Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old man with a long history of legal troubles, was arrested in Florida following an alleged assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Routh's criminal record spans decades, with nearly 40 arrest reports detailing various offenses, including felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction. His first arrest occurred in 1986, and he has faced charges ranging from driving without a license to serious weapons offenses. In December 2002, Routh was arrested in Greensboro, North Carolina, after police discovered multiple firearms in his possession during a traffic stop. Officer Tracy Fulk, who had previously encountered Routh, recognized him and initiated the stop due to his lack of a driver's license. The situation escalated into a standoff, leading to Routh's arrest. Despite being convicted for possessing firearms, it remains unclear whether Routh served time in prison. In 2019, the FBI received a tip regarding Routh's illegal possession of a firearm, which was forwarded to local law enforcement in Honolulu, where he had relocated in 2018. Routh's case highlights ongoing concerns about individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds obtaining firearms and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking such individuals. His history of violence and weapons-related offenses raises questions about public safety and the effectiveness of existing laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.