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The alleged gunman, whom authorities have identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, earlier on social media stated that "democracy is on the ballot" this year and "we cannot lose."
Ryan Routh, Donald Trump's suspected would-be assassin.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 16, 2024 07:10 IST
Donald Trump, former US President and Republican candidate for 2024 polls, was rushed to safety on Sunday after what the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) called an "apparent assassination attempt" at his Florida golf course.
The alleged gunman, whom authorities have identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, earlier on social media stated that "democracy is on the ballot” this year and “we cannot lose.” Authorities recovered an AK-47-style assault rifle, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro device at the scene, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed during a news conference.
Routh, a North Carolina resident with an extensive criminal record, has been vocal about politics and has consistently supported Democratic candidates and causes since 2019.
In a post on X from April 22, he slammed Trump, emphasising, “Democracy is on the ballot, and we cannot afford to lose,” a similar slogan commonly used by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Routh further urged President Biden, 81, who was then running for reelection, to centre his campaign on preserving "America's democracy and freedom." He accused Trump of seeking to "enslave Americans under a master."
“We cannot afford to fail,” Routh continued. “The world is counting on us to show the way.”
Published By:
Akhilesh Nagari
Published On:
Sep 16, 2024
