Watch: Bodycam footage shows arrest of Trump assassination attempt suspect
What's the story
A bodycam video released by the Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida, United States, shows the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh.
The 58-year-old is accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
The footage shows Routh surrendering on northbound Interstate 95, surrounded by deputies.
He is seen walking backward with his shirt over his head before being handcuffed.
Plot details
Details of Routh's alleged assassination attempt
Routh is accused of waiting for nearly 12 hours near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, armed with an SKS-style rifle, targeting the former President.
Secret Service agents noticed the rifle's muzzle through a chain-link fence, about 300 yards from Trump's location on the golf course.
After agents opened fire, Routh fled but was later apprehended thanks to a witness who provided authorities with a photo of his vehicle.
Legal proceedings
Routh's arrest and subsequent charges
Martin County Sheriff Will Snyder stated that Routh was apprehended near the Palm City exit 714 on I-95.
He described Routh as "smart" and "just driving with the flow of traffic," which might have led him to believe he had evaded capture.
Following his arrest, authorities found a loaded assault-style rifle, a digital camera, and a bag of food at his hiding spot.
Twitter Post
Watch the bodycam footage released by the police
BREAKING: Bodycam Footage RELEASED of The Martin County Sheriff's Office ARRESTING Trump's attempted assassin.
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) September 16, 2024
Thank God President Trump is safe and God Bless our brave police officers!
With more information coming out, how was this even possible!? pic.twitter.com/w44BeOMq9g
Investigation progress
Routh's charges and potential motives
Routh appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, facing charges of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He also faces potential additional federal charges.
While his motive for allegedly targeting Trump remains unclear, past social media posts reveal that he voted for the Republican in 2016 but later became critical of him.
Past incidents
Trump's response and previous assassination attempt
This is the second assassination attempt on Trump in recent months.
In July, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, he narrowly escaped being shot in the head but was grazed by a bullet on his ear. A supporter nearby was struck by the bullet and died.
Following this latest incident, Trump assured his supporters of his safety stating that he "will never surrender."