FBI agents descended on a bungalow in Hawaii, unveiling the cluttered world of a man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
The New York Post reported that the suspect, identified as Ryan Routh, was arrested in Florida after being found near Trump International Golf Club with a loaded assault rifle.
On a quiet Tuesday morning, FBI personnel initiated a raid at Ryan Routh's residence located in Kaaawa, Hawaii. The operation lasted from the early hours of 6 a.m. until around 1 p.m.
During the extensive search, authorities were seen removing numerous boxes and bags, likely containing potential evidence. They also conducted a thorough search of Routh's white pickup truck parked nearby.
The home, valued at approximately $890,000, presented a modest exterior but was filled with island-themed decor and an assortment of household tools and items, reflecting a seemingly ordinary lifestyle.
Routh's vehicle, which bore a Biden-Harris campaign sticker, contained an array of construction tools and accumulated dirt and parking tickets, painting a picture of his daily life and possibly his political leanings.
Neighbors described Routh as a helpful yet quiet individual. Roy Correa, a neighbor, expressed his surprise, noting Routh's readiness to lend a hand whenever needed.
The arrest itself took place nearly 5,000 miles from Routh's Hawaii residence, at a location teeming with Secret Service agents tasked with protecting former President Trump.
Routh was apprehended before he could use his assault rifle, as he hid in the bushes near the golf course where Trump was playing, oblivious to the danger.
Further investigation revealed Routh's disillusionment with Trump's presidency, as seen in various social media posts and writings. He had also been involved in a police standoff in 2002 and had a conviction related to possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Routh had previously attempted to enlist foreign soldiers to fight in the war in Ukraine, an effort that evidently fell through without success.
His girlfriend Kathleen, who shared his home and worked at a local hardware store, appeared to have no knowledge of his plans, according to the same neighbor, Correa.
“I saw her on Friday. It didn’t seem like she was bothered with anything,” Correa remarked about Kathleen, suggesting her obliviousness to Routh’s intentions.
Correa also commented on the dichotomy of Routh’s nature, from his quiet demeanor to his unexpected radical actions.
“Ryan was quiet, but if you needed his help, he was right there for you,” he recalled.
The community and those who knew Routh continue to reconcile the image of a helpful neighbor with the harsh reality of his actions. “Ryan, what the f–k were you thinking?” Correa lamented, capturing the shock and confusion echoing through Kaaawa.
