Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was apprehended on Sunday for allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, and the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, though Routh’s motivations appear to be complex.

Routh's history involves encouraging Iran to assassinate Trump and himself in a book he wrote about the Ukraine war, as Breitbart reports.

This revelation has shocked many, as the book, which touches on geopolitical conflicts, also contains explicit calls for violence. The excerpts of this book have been circulating on social media, adding fuel to the public’s reaction.

Details About Routh’s Transformation

Routh’s political transformation over the past several years appears to have been stark. In 2016, he reportedly supported Donald Trump, but by 2020, his views had shifted significantly. His change in attitude seems to coincide with his deeper involvement in discussions about the Ukraine war and his alignment with a neoconservative agenda.

In his book, titled Unwinnable War, Routh expressed his regrets for supporting Trump. He placed blame on Trump for many issues, including the events of Jan. 6, 2021. He claimed that he "misjudged" Trump and called on Iran to rectify what he described as his "error in judgment."

Calls for Assassination Found in Book

Routh’s book included statements that have sparked outrage, particularly a passage where he directly invites Iran to assassinate Trump. He wrote, "You are free to assassinate Trump as well as me for that error in judgment and that dismantling of the deal," referencing the controversial Iran nuclear deal.

The would-be assassin praised the handling of the Iran deal by former Secretary of State John Kerry, claiming that it was an act that "elated him and the world." The explicit call for assassination, coupled with this praise, adds a complicated dimension to the motives behind his alleged attempt to harm the former president.

Routh’s Online Activity Raises Questions

In addition to his book, Routh’s online activity has drawn attention. He had posted inflammatory content, including a statement earlier this year saying, "Make Americans slaves again." This post, which was widely circulated, further reflects the radical shift in his beliefs. He also frequently posted about the Ukraine-Russia conflict and even attempted to recruit volunteers to fight against Russia.

The New York Times had previously interviewed Routh about his volunteer recruitment efforts, which highlights the extent of his involvement in foreign policy issues. His pivot from supporting Trump to engaging with neoconservative agendas further emphasizes his ideological evolution.

Connections to Democratic Campaigns

Routh’s political leanings appear to have swung to the opposite end of the spectrum. Reports indicate that he had a Harris-Biden bumper sticker on his truck and had donated to Democratic Party campaigns. This shift has added another layer of intrigue to the story, raising questions about his broader motivations.

In Unwinnable War, Routh expressed clear regret for supporting Trump. He criticized the former president's actions and claimed to share responsibility for what he described as the consequences of electing Trump. "I must take part of the blame for the retarded child that we elected for the next president," Routh wrote, adding that he was "man enough" to admit his mistake.

Widespread Condemnation of the Assassination Attempt

Politicians from both sides of the aisle have condemned the assassination attempt. While right- and left-wing figures have united in condemning the violence, the media’s response has sparked controversy. Mainstream outlets have been accused of focusing on Trump’s rhetoric rather than the actions of individuals like Routh.

Joel Pollak of Breitbart News criticized this approach, noting that "not one media outlet examined its own rhetoric or that of Kamala Harris and the Democrats against Trump." This sentiment reflects ongoing debates over the role of political rhetoric in inciting violence.

Media’s Reaction to the Incident

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, media outlets have been dissecting the political climate that may have contributed to the event. However, some commentators have pointed out that the media's focus remains largely on Trump, despite Routh's criticisms of both the former president and the broader political environment.

Routh’s book, social media posts, and public statements have been subject to intense scrutiny, but some argue that the role of political rhetoric from other figures should also be examined. The incident has reignited discussions about how divisive political discourse can lead to real-world violence.

Conclusion

Ryan Wesley Routh, a former Trump supporter turned critic, was apprehended for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump.

Routh’s radical transformation, as chronicled in his book Unwinnable War, reflects a deep shift in his political views. His calls for Iran to assassinate Trump, coupled with his online activities and alignment with neoconservative agendas, have shocked many.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, although media reactions to the event have stirred further debate.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the role of political rhetoric in contributing to such extreme actions.