Assassin's To-Do List: Open Letter Reveals Trump Plot

Assassin's To-Do List: Open Letter Reveals Trump Plot

4 minute read
Published: 9/23/2024

In a plot that sounds more like a bizarre Netflix series, Ryan Wesley Routh has been charged with an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, complete with a letter, six cell phones, and aspirations for a getaway to Mexico.

Routh's alleged assassination plot, which appears to have been both premeditated and poorly executed, involved him lying in wait near Trump's golf course for nearly 12 hours, armed with a rifle—because who needs subtlety when you have a tactical gear shopping spree? With a letter addressed to 'The World' promising $150,000 for the job and six cell phones that could only make one wonder if he was trying to launch a new social media platform, Routh's attempt not only raises eyebrows but also questions about his choice in getaway destinations. The stakes are high, but Routh's execution might just score him a front-row seat in the next season of 'What Were You Thinking?'.

When agents finally took Routh into custody after he fled the scene—initially reported on the often-dramatic Interstate 95—it was clear that he had taken his mission to a level worthy of critique in the commentary section of any news website. His attempts at stealth, it seems, fell flat, overshadowed by the glaring signals of his distressing intentions. A Secret Service agent even fired at Routh after spotting him aligning his rifle with the direction of Trump, which, surely, is only a 'how not to' guide on assassination that surpasses all others.

Routh’s letter—delivered to 'The World' in what can only be considered a bid for dramatic flair—clearly stated that 'this was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.' Such a transparent admission raises questions about Routh's understanding of the legal system because, in hindsight, addressing the letter to the world is about as effective as writing a Yelp review of your intended crime. The FBI, as demonstrated by their thorough methods, surely didn’t miss the irony of needing a translator for his apparent lack of discretion.

In addition to his rather brash correspondences, law enforcement discovered a list of dates and venues where Trump was expected to make appearances. One gets the impression that Routh was trying to become Trump's personal event planner—albeit with a morbid twist. If only he had put as much effort into planning his own execution strategy, perhaps he’d have realized that the whole deal had a tendency to backfire quite spectacularly.

While Routh clearly had aspirations for fame—or infamy—his tools were indicative of serious intent. The FBI confiscated a rifle with an obliterated serial number, prompting one to wonder if Routh believed he could simply erase his responsibility like a bad email. Add in an extended magazine and tactical gear, and he was prepared for an actual assassination.

Routh's journey didn't stop at menacing plans, as evidence revealed his historical penchant for unusual ventures. Previously attempting to recruit people to fight in Ukraine, he certainly has demonstrated a flair for the dramatic. However, one might argue that instead of honing violent aspirations, he could've signed up for a writing workshop that specializes in creating less disastrous fictional plots.

If there was any lingering doubt about Routh's intentions, his online posts offer clarity. Expressing disappointment with Trump and suggesting an audience could 'free to assassinate Trump,' he was less a cold-hearted criminal and more a case study in misguided enthusiasm. It's alarming to think that such statements are made on social media, where perhaps a meme could have been the better choice for expressing political frustrations.

In a rather puzzling twist, it was determined that Routh had been in Florida to enact his plan for a full three days, traveling there from his home state of North Carolina. Clearly, he kept his itinerary under wraps better than an overzealous travel agent. Cell phone data indicated he was waiting and watching for virtually half a day, perhaps contemplating between whether to order takeout or actually follow through with his plans.

The stash of cell phones in Routh’s car seems to reflect a man disconnected from reality as much as he is from his own motivations. One device held a search query about traveling from Palm Beach County to Mexico. While it's unclear whether this was meant as an escape route or simply an exploration of the culinary options south of the border, it certainly adds an extra layer of absurdity to an already outlandish situation.

As investigations continue into Routh’s actions, the world watches both the legal proceedings and the ramifications of an absurd plot that somehow feels tragically comical. There may indeed be lessons in this tale of misguided dreams and overly ambitious plans, but watching the downfall could be equally valuable: ensuring that sometimes, would-be assassins really should stick to attending open mics instead of planning an assassination—regardless of political grievances.

'At this point, it’s also essential to remind everyone that humor and tragedy often go hand in hand, but Routh’s actions leave us contemplating the serious intent behind an assassination attempt against Donald Trump. With ongoing investigations, we await the next update—because in the era of wild headlines, not all heroes wear capes, and certainly, not all would-be assassins know when to put the rifle down and the pen to paper instead.