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Trump assassination plot exposes Ryan Routh's bomb bust, barricade with illegal gun in professional demise

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Trump assassination plot exposes Ryan Routh's bomb bust, barricade with illegal gun in professional demise

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Ryan Routh, the man named as a suspect in what authorities believe was an assassination attempt against former President Trump on Sunday, deteriorated from a successful roofer to a man who thought the IRS was sending the cops after him, according to a retired officer who had more than 100 interactions with Routh.

Routh’s arrest record in Guilford County, North Carolina, spans between the 1980s and 2010, and his charges range from writing multiple bad checks to felony firearm possession, possession of a stolen vehicle and multiple counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction in 2002 — specifically, a “binary explosive with a 10-in[ch] detonation cord and a blasting cap.” 

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“Routh’s attitude was that he was above everybody. He could do what he wanted,” Eric Rasecke, a retired Greensboro Police Department officer and Air Force veteran, told Fox News Digital. “It didn’t matter. He was pretty entitled. … He ran his mouth quite a bit about how he could get off and how he owned a successful business and nobody could do anything to him and he knew everybody in Greensboro.”

The first time Rasecke met Routh was in the late 1990s when the now-retired officer pulled him over for a traffic violation.

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT’S FORMER NEIGHBOR SAYS FAMILY WAS ‘WEIRD,’ KEPT A’ HORSE IN THE HOUSE’

Ryan Routh barricaded himself inside his roofing business in Greensboro, N.C., in 2002. (Fox News Digital)

“You’d see him all the time riding his company trucks,” Rasecke said. He saw Routh at least once a day because the suspect lived and worked in Rasecke’s patrol zone. 

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“He would drive right by you and smile.… We got on a first-name basis.”

— Eric Rasecke, retired Greensboro PD officer

“It would be not uncommon to have him cited many times a week. He was brazen about it,” Rascecke said of Routh’s blatant and repeated use of a vehicle with an expired license and registration. “He would never try to hide it.”

Over the years, it was clear to Rasecke, however, that Routh was using drugs over the years and his physical appearance showed it as he lost weight and became more “paranoid.”

RYAN ROUTH, ARMED MAN ARRESTED AT TRUMP GOLF COURSE, POSTED PROLIFICALLY ABOUT TRUMP, POLITICS

Ryan Routh's most recent mugshot from 2010.

Ryan Routh’s most recent mugshot from 2010. (Guilford County Sheriff’s Office)

“As years went by, you could see a change in him,” Rasecke said, noting later charges against Routh that escalated from minor traffic violations to a hit-and-run, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen goods, and eventually the weapon of mass destruction charges. In many cases involving multiple charges against Routh for a single incident, his defenders would get the court to dismiss or drop charges to alleviate the docket, Rasecke said, particularly because he was not a “particularly dangerous person,” and his crimes never resulted in bodily injury.

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“He liked to run his mouth and play the victim.”

— Eric Rasecke 

In December 2002, Routh barricaded himself inside his business — then located on Lee Street — with a semi-automatic rifle after being pulled over. The incident lasted approximately three hours before Routh surrendered and was apprehended without incident, The Greensboro News & Record reported at the time.

TRUMP BLAMES BIDEN-HARRIS ‘RHETORIC’ FOR LATEST ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, SAYS HE WILL ‘SAVE THE COUNTRY’

“Negotiators came in. Special teams were activated, and after a couple hours of negotiations, he surrendered himself,” Rasceke recalled of the barricade incident.

Remnants of Routh's roofing company called United Roofing in Greensboro still remain at what appears to have been Routh's latest location for the company on Husbands Street,

Remnants of Routh’s roofing company, called United Roofing in Greensboro, still remain at what appears to have been Routh’s latest location for the company on Husbands Street, even though Routh moved to Hawaii years ago, according to neighbors in the area. (Fox News Digital)

“Because of his flagrant, above-the-law mentality, the fact that he felt like he could do anything,  the city was after him because of his problems, the police were always picking on him, the drugs could warp…his mind, the issue of him barricading himself inside the business…should have put a red flag on his name,” the retired officer explained.

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“the issue of him barricading himself inside the business… should have put a red flag on his name…”

Remnants of Routh’s roofing company called United Roofing in Greensboro still remain in a vacant lot on Husbands Street, though his actual business location where he barricaded himself two decades ago was located on what was formerly called Lee Street. Routh moved to Hawaii years ago, according to those who knew him.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SOURCES IDENTIFY RYAN WESLEY ROUTH AS SUSPECT IN TRUMP SHOOTING

A general view of a home that was once allegedly occupied by Ryan Routh

A general view of a home that was once allegedly occupied by Ryan Routh in Greensboro, North Carolina on Monday, September 16, 2024. Routh was arrested in West Palm Beach after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Sunday. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)

Timothy Pruitt, branch manager of the local Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., said he had numerous interactions with Routh in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Routh’s business was taking off.

“I guarantee he could have been a millionaire by now if he hadn’t gone off the rails.”

— Timothy Pruitt

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Routh had “90 people working for him at one time,” Pruitt said. 

Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh was seen being taken into custody

Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh was seen being taken into custody Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in bodycam footage released Monday. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office )

Their interactions were normal. Pruitt described Routh as a “nice” guy when he knew the former Greensboro resident. Pruitt eventually learned from Routh’s daughter that Routh had apparently moved from Greensboro to Arizona, and then possibly Alaska, before his most recent home state of Hawaii. 

About seven or eight months ago, Pruitt said, he looked Routh up on Facebook and saw that he had been posting frequently about politics and the Russia-Ukraine war. He thought about messaging Routh at the time but decided against it. Then, on Sunday, when Pruitt saw Routh’s photo on the television in connection with a suspected assassination attempt against Trump, he couldn’t believe it.

“I said, ‘Oh my goodness. That’s crazy,’” Pruitt recalled. 

FBI investigators carry a box of evidence from the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, September 16, 2024. Ryan Routh was arrested earlier this week after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump while hiding in the bushes along the golf course. (Mega for Fox News Digital)

FBI investigators carry a box of evidence from the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, September 16, 2024. Ryan Routh was arrested earlier this week after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump while hiding in the bushes along the golf course. (Mega for Fox News Digital)

Daniel Redford, president of the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police, told Fox News Digital that Routh is “one of many people that probably have similar criminal records,” but the thing that concerns him most is the fact that Routh had access to firearms despite being a repeat convicted felon.

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“If he’s a convicted felon, how did he have a gun in the first place?” 

— Daniel Redford 

“Obviously, from law enforcement, when someone has an extensive record…those are red flags just from a safety aspect of things,” Redford said. “But there are a lot of people with violent pasts who have changed their ways. You just have to be cautious.”

RYAN ROUTH, ARMED MAN ARRESTED AT TRUMP GOLF COURSE, POSTED PROLIFICALLY ABOUT TRUMP, POLITICS

Redford believes “punishments need to be stronger for felons that are in possession of a weapon.”

He added that it’s not totally surprising to see a copycat assassination suspect after the first attempt on the former president’s life at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. 

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“We’re in such a volatile political moment right now. … It’s just, and I don’t mean to be insensitive…bringing all the crazies out,” Redfrod said. “Both sides are guilty of inciting some type of violence and aggression. People doing it for the thrill, for the attention — I don’t understand what goes through people’s minds.”

Criminal defense attorney Brett Rosen similarly told Fox News Digital that he does not “think that Routh’s lengthy criminal record should have been a red flag for law enforcement.”

“There’s over 300 million people living in the U.S., and there’s no indication or any information that in the past or recent past of him threatening to harm President Trump,” Rosen said in a statement. “The real red flag here, if true, is that Routh was at the golf course location for approximately 12 hours. It’s very difficult to believe that the Secret Service or any law enforcement did a precursory sweep of the course before he played. If they had done one, they most likely would’ve discovered Routh well before at this location that the Secret Service agent opened fire on him.”

Rosen added that he would not be surprised if authorities charge Routh with attempted murder in the near future if they have enough evidence to do so.

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Southeast

Fani Willis crisscrosses country fundraising with Democrat allies in DC, LA

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Fani Willis crisscrosses country fundraising with Democrat allies in DC, LA

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Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis has been crisscrossing the country to attend fundraisers for her re-election campaign with Democratic allies in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and beyond. 

Earlier this month, Willis traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend her own “2024 Re-Election Fundraising Reception” on Sept. 13. 

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“All contributions up to $3,300 are appreciated,” the invitation read. 

Willis also headlined a panel in Washington, D.C., during the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Weekend with Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, where they discussed ways to “clapback against MAGA.” 

Last week, Willis continued her fundraising swing, holding another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Sept. 17. 

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis arrives to speak after winning the Democratic primary on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Buckhead, Georgia. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

That event drew different levels of contributions. 

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“Team Fani” donors were asked to give $101; “Ally” donors were asked for $250; “Partner” donors were asked for $500; and “Supporter” donors were asked for $1,000, with maximum contributions of $3,300 requested. 

Willis, on Sept. 13, had been subpoenaed to testify before Georgia’s State Senate Special Committee on Investigations. 

That committee was holding a hearing as part of its investigation into allegations that Willis had profited off former President Donald Trump’s prosecution and colluded with Democrat officials to bring charges against the former president. 

FORMER SENATOR LAUNCHES 6-FIGURE AD BLITZ AGAINST FANI WILLIS AHEAD OF GEORGIA ELECTION

The subpoena compelled Willis to testify and also to provide documents related to the investigation, and to her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis reportedly had an “improper affair” with Wade, who she hired to help bring the case against Trump. Wade later resigned from his position. 

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Willis filed an emergency motion to stop the subpoena from compelling her testimony before the Georgia State Senate committee. 

A Fulton County judge, however, denied her motion. 

While in Washington, D.C., Willis also headlined a panel during the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Weekend with Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, where they discussed ways to “clapback against MAGA.” 

This week, Willis continued her fundraising swing, holding another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 17. 

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend her own "2024 Re-Election Fundraising Reception."

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend her own “2024 Re-Election Fundraising Reception.” (Fani for DA)

That event drew different levels of contributions. 

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“Team Fani” donors were asked to give $101; “Ally” donors were asked for $250; “Partner” donors were asked for $500; and “Supporter” donors were asked for $1,000, with maximum contributions of $3,300 requested. 

There were more fundraisers for Willis on Friday and Sunday in Houston.

“Instead of doing her job, Fani Willis is gallivanting across the U.S. raising money and rubbing elbows with her radical cronies in California and Washington — abandoning the families of Fulton County, and her oath to uphold the law,” Greater Georgia Chairwoman and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler told Fox News Digital. 

“Time and time again, she puts her financial and political interests above serving our citizens,” Loeffler said. “No amount of blue state cash can hide the fact that she’s only fighting for herself.” 

GEORGIA JUDGE DISMISSES TWO CRIMINAL COUNTS AGAINST TRUMP IN FANI WILLIS’ 2020 ELECTION INTERFERENCE CASE

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Loeffler launched Greater Georgia in 2021. It is the only organization in the state working to oust Willis ahead of the Nov. 5 election. 

The conservative advocacy group launched a $100,000 ad campaign against Willis earlier this month, aimed at exposing her “failures” ahead of Election Day. 

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis held another "Re-Election Fundraising Reception" in Los Angeles on Sept. 17.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis held another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Sept. 17. (Fani for DA)

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee dismissed two criminal counts in Willis’ Georgia 2020 election interference case against Trump, ruling that Georgia prosecutors had no authority to bring the charges that related to the alleged filing of false documents in federal court. 

McAffee, earlier this year, dismissed six other charges against Trump, saying Willis failed to allege sufficient detail. 

Trump had pleaded not guilty to all counts. 

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Donald Trump mugshot

Former President Donald Trump turned himself in in August 2023 at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after being charged in District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation into his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state. (Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)

In June, the Georgia Court of Appeals paused the proceedings until it hears the case to disqualify Willis in October.

 

The Georgia Court of Appeals said it would hear Trump’s argument to have Willis disqualified on Dec. 5 — a month after the 2024 presidential election. 

In a separate decision earlier this month, though, McAfee upheld the racketeering charge in the case, which has been brought against all the defendants. 

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Absentee voting kicks off in Missouri, North Carolina

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Absentee voting kicks off in Missouri, North Carolina

Missouri and North Carolina joined the growing list of states that have started early voting in the 2024 election Tuesday.

Here’s everything you need to know about the key races and how to participate.

North Carolina is one of the most competitive states this cycle

North Carolina last voted for a Democrat president in 2008, when then-Sen. Barack Obama won the state by 0.3 points, or 14,177 votes.

Trump pulled out a convincing 3.7 point win in 2016, but that margin shrank to 1.3 points against Biden in 2020.

Late last month, the Fox News Poll had the two 2024 presidential candidates just a point apart from each other, with Democrat nominee Vice President Harris at 49% and GOP nominee former President Trump at 50%. North Carolina is ranked a Toss Up on the Fox News Power Rankings.

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HOUSE GOP DOUBTS GROW AS JOHNSON DIGS IN ON FUNDING FIGHT: ‘PLAYING WITH A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN’

The state has become more competitive as its population has grown. Over the last full decade, North Carolina added roughly 1.1 million people, the fourth-largest gain among all states.

Much of that growth has been in urban and suburban areas like those in solidly blue Mecklenburg and Wake counties.

The pandemic brought more wealthy, urban Americans from surrounding states, and there are pockets of college voters as well.

Rural areas have experienced some population decline, but they remain a powerful part of the state’s overall vote, and they vote overwhelmingly Republican.

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Early voting begins today in Missouri and North Carolina. (Reuters/Nick Oxford)

Key down-ballot races in today’s early voting states

Across the states that begin early voting today, there are three competitive U.S. House races in North Carolina:

  • 1st District: Democrat Rep. Don Davis won this open seat in the midterms by less than five points. This year, he’s up against Army veteran Laurie Buckhout for this northeastern district with a high proportion of Black voters. This race is a Toss Up on the Fox News Power Rankings.
  • 13th and 14th Districts: Redistricting shifted both of these seats, once based in Raleigh and Charlotte, into sprawling, predominantly exurban and rural districts. That makes them easy targets for Republicans, who are likely to flip both of them this November. In the 13th District, small businessman Frank Pierce, a Democrat, is up against prosecutor Brad Knott, a Republican. In the 14th, it’s Army veteran and nurse Pam Genant, a Democrat, versus state legislator Tim Moore, a Republican.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON VOTER ROLLS SPURS WATCHDOG GROUP TO SUE MARICOPA COUNTY

The 2024 election is well underway, with roughly 20 states beginning early voting.

The 2024 election is well underway, with roughly 20 states beginning early voting.

How to vote in Missouri

This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for Missouri.

Voting by mail

Missouri began absentee voting on Tuesday. Applicants need to provide an excuse to receive a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by Oct. 23, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.

Early in-person voting

Absentee ballots can be returned in-person through Election Day.

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Voter registration

Missouri residents can register to vote online, by mail or in person through Oct. 9.

States that begin early voting this week.

States that begin early voting this week.

How to vote in North Carolina

This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for North Carolina.

Voting by mail

North Carolina began absentee voting for registered voters on Tuesday, having begun sending absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on Friday. Applicants do not need to provide an excuse to receive a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by Oct. 29, and that ballot must be delivered to county officials by Nov. 5.

Early in-person voting

Early in-person voting varies by location in North Carolina. Check the state’s website for more information. The last day to vote in-person is Nov. 2.

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Voter registration

North Carolina residents can register to vote online or by mail through Oct. 11. They can also register in-person during early voting between Oct. 17 and Nov. 2.

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Routh stalked Mar-a-Lago, Trump golf course for weeks, may have planned getaway, documents show

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Routh stalked Mar-a-Lago, Trump golf course for weeks, may have planned getaway, documents show

The suspect behind the second Trump assassination attempt in Florida appears to have stalked Mar-a-Lago and the former president’s golf course in West Palm Beach for weeks and may have been planning a getaway to Mexico, a judge and federal prosecutors have revealed. 

The developments come as Ryan Routh – who has been charged federally with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon – was ordered by a federal judge on Monday to remain in custody. 

“Talk about a flight risk, I mean this guy he makes a great case on what a flight risk is,” Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, who is on the bipartisan task force investigating the first Trump assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, told Fox News. 

A document released by the Justice Department before Routh appeared in court yesterday said one of the cell phones found in his vehicle during his arrest on Sept. 15 “contained a Google search of how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.” 

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT RYAN ROUTH NOT TO BE RELEASED 

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A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh’s appearance in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, Sept. 23. Routh is facing charges related to the alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last week. (Lothar Speer)

“The FBI obtained cell site records for two of the cell phones found in the Nissan Xterra. The two cell phones are serviced by different carriers that utilize different cell towers,” the document continued. 

It said regarding one of the phones, “On multiple days and times from August 18, 2024, to September 15, 2024, ROUTH’s cell phone accessed cell towers located near Trump International [Golf Club] and the former President’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.” 

“The agents also found 12 pairs of gloves; a Hawaii Driver’s License in the Defendant’s name; a passport in the Defendant’s name,” the document added. 

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT WROTE CHILLING LETTER MONTHS BEFORE GOLF COURSE PLOT 

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rifle aimed through fence with two bangs hanging nearby

Ryan Routh camped out near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach with an SKS-style rifle, a backpack, and a shopping bag, prosecutors allege. (Department of Justice)

Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe, who ultimately granted the government’s request to detain Routh pending the resolution of the charges against him, said during Monday’s hearing that it appeared Routh was stalking Trump for 30 days. 

Federal prosecutors told the judge that the government intends to ask a grand jury to indict Routh on the much more serious charge of the attempted assassination of Trump, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The Justice Department on Monday also released a letter written by Routh months prior to the assassination attempt. 

A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh as he appears in federal court in West Palm Beach

Ryan Routh, during a federal court appearance on Monday in West Palm Beach, Florida, was ordered to remain in custody. (Lothar Speer)

 

“I certainly hope that this letter wasn’t a bat call to the lunatics in our nation to follow his lead,” Joyce said in reaction to the letter. “You have people like the last two people who we’ve seen in these attempted assassinations and God forbid there be more out there so you really wouldn’t want them to be doing that.” 

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Fox News’ Jake Gibson, David Spunt and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report. 

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