Staff Reports
U.S. authorities had their eyes on Ryan Routh, a man who went from struggling American to would-be assassin, all while allegedly plotting his latest act of heroism. Despite all the warning signs, law enforcement agencies decided to look the other way, proving once again that the federal government can be slower than molasses in mid-July when it comes to doing their job—especially when it’s about protecting America’s foremost figure, Donald Trump.
Routh’s questionable journey began with a trip to Ukraine, where he wheeled and dealt with danger like a kid in a candy store. A nurse named Chelsea Walsk, upon returning from her medical missions, flagged Routh as one of the “most dangerous Americans” she encountered. Yet, instead of heading to therapy or at least doing some soul-searching, Routh’s fantasies began to take a deadly shape. According to Walsk, if he wasn’t already top of the list of predatory characters she met, he certainly seemed intent on becoming that poster boy.
“NEW: Nurse who met would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh while in Ukraine says she realized he was a threat and reported him the Feds
"He wanted to kill most world leaders."
Credits: Breaking911 pic.twitter.com/wKsHrn2sxM
— Sheri™ (@FFT1776) September 18, 2024
What stands out in Routh’s past is a chaotic criminal history dotted with standoffs and assorted firearm charges, including a “weapon of mass destruction.” One might think that being a felon in possession of such gear would raise a few eyebrows, but apparently not enough for the FBI. When a tip surfaced back in 2019 regarding Routh’s possession of a firearm, the case got an all-too-typical shrug from the agency, who simply dispatched a note to the local authorities in Honolulu and then moved on to things that really matter, like what flavor of donuts to order for the break room.
Fast forward to his time in Ukraine, where Routh started churning out conspiracy theories and delusions faster than a rapid-fire machine gun. Instead of aiding the cause, he was on a crusade to live out a fantasy, while whining about feeling unimportant—a sentiment echoed by volunteers who openly recognized his desperate attempts to secure his 15 minutes of fame. Even those among the ranks of foreign fighters could sense that Routh was unhinged, which is saying something considering he was surrounded by other less-than-stable individuals.
Perhaps the most notable turn in this bizarre saga is how Routh wanted to take down big players like Putin and Kim Jong Un—all while making offhand comments about Trump and Biden. Nurse Walsk, alarmed by his increasingly violent rhetoric, bravely reported her concerns to the FBI and Interpol. What was the response? Silence. Because apparently, the federal response to red flags is about as effective as trying to catch a greased pig at a county fair.
In the end, while one can ponder whether any of this could have been averted if authorities had paid attention, it raises a bigger question about the priorities of those whose job it is to protect American lives. As for Routh, his wanted status now says more about the system’s failures than about his aspirations to achieve infamy. The government agencies involved seem more intent on patting themselves on the back than ensuring that a potential assassin isn’t left to be a ticking time bomb.
