Arrested Man Wanted to Fight in Ukraine, Made Violent Threats Against Trump, Says FBI

A 58-year-old man, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested in connection with an alleged assassination plot against former President Donald J. Trump. The FBI reported that Mr. Routh had expressed a strong desire to fight and die in Ukraine,as seen in his violent posts on social media site X following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Incidents and Statements

In his posts, Mr. Routh openly stated, “I AM WILLING TO FLY TO KRAKOW AND GO TO THE BORDER OF UKRAINE TO VOLUNTEER AND FIGHT AND DIE,” showcasing his inclination towards joining the conflict. Moreover, on the messaging application Signal, he expressed that “Civilians must change this war and prevent future wars.”, emphasizing his intent to take action against the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, on WhatsApp, his bio read, “Each one of us must do our part daily in the smallest steps help support human rights, freedom and democracy; we each must help the Chinese,” indicating his quest for global social justice.

Background and Motivations

Originally hailing from Greensboro, N.C., Mr. Routh, a former roofing contractor, had also been interviewed by The New York Times in 2023 regarding Americans volunteering to assist in the war effort in Ukraine. Despite lacking any prior military experience, he expressed a strong desire to recruit Afghan soldiers to fight in Ukraine.