Ryan Wesley Roth, the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, faces two charges related to illegal firearm possession. The charges include unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with its serial number removed, according to Agence France-Presse.
Background of the Suspect
Roth, an American supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, was arrested on Sunday. He appeared for the first time before a federal judge in Florida. The FBI has labeled the shooting incident at Trump’s golf club as “an apparent assassination attempt.”
Details of the Incident
During a press conference held by the Palm Beach County Sheriff, a Secret Service representative, and the FBI, officials confirmed that the suspect was armed with an AK-47 rifle and carried a GoPro camera, apparently to document the attack. Roth was found hiding in the bushes near the golf course, approximately 300 to 500 meters from Trump.
Confrontation and Arrest
Secret Service agents confronted Roth, firing at least four magazines of ammunition. Roth eventually discarded his rifle, backpack, and other items before fleeing in a black car. Authorities issued an alert statewide with details of the vehicle.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Martin County deputies successfully apprehended Roth on Interstate 95. According to a report by Fox News, Roth has a lengthy criminal record spanning several decades. Currently residing in Hawaii, Roth has a history of police confrontations dating back to the 1990s.
Previous Arrests
Roth, originally from North Carolina, has been arrested for various offenses, including drug possession, driving without a license, expired registration, and operating a vehicle without insurance.
