Quick Hit:

Ryan Wesley Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, had been flagged multiple times to law enforcement for his dangerous behavior prior to his arrest on Sunday. Despite multiple reports to the FBI, State Department, Customs and Border Protection, and Interpol about his "predatory" behavior, and having a firearm despite being a felon, no action was taken.

Key Details:

• Chelsea Walsh, who encountered Routh in Ukraine, described him as "predatory" and reported him to Customs and Border Protection in 2022. Walsh also filed reports with the FBI and Interpol in 2023, telling the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that neither Customs and Border Protection nor the FBI followed up on her reports.

• Sarah Adams, a former CIA officer, described Routh as a "whack job" and "fraudster." Routh falsely claimed to be recruiting Afghan soldiers for Ukraine, sending messages on Signal and WhatsApp that were reviewed by the WSJ. These claims were denied by Ukrainian officials, and aid groups reported him to the State Department. 

• In 2019, Routh was also investigated by the FBI after a tipster reported that he possessed a firearm, despite being a convicted felon. According to an FBI official, the tip was initially taken seriously, but the investigation was ultimately closed when the individual who reported the information could not provide verification or further evidence.

Diving Deeper:

Ryan Wesley Routh had raised alarms about his erratic and dangerous behavior long before his arrest for allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump according to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal. Despite being flagged multiple times by those who encountered him, authorities did not act on the various warnings they received.

Speaking with the WSJ, Chelsea Walsh, who worked as a nurse in Ukraine in 2022, described Routh as "predatory" after multiple encounters with him. She expressed her concerns to Customs and Border Protection upon her return to the U.S., saying Routh was the most dangerous individual she had met during her time there. Walsh also took additional steps in 2023, filing reports with both the FBI and Interpol after learning that Routh had attempted to recruit Syrian refugees to fight in Ukraine. However, she noted that neither Customs and Border Protection nor the FBI followed up with her.

Sarah Adams, a former CIA officer coordinating aid groups in Ukraine, echoed similar concerns to the WSJ, describing Routh as a "whack job" and "fraudster." Routh falsely claimed to be working with the Ukrainian military, going as far as messaging Afghan soldiers on Signal and WhatsApp, claiming to have secured spots for them in the Ukrainian army. These messages were reviewed by the WSJ, but Ukrainian officials denied any involvement with Routh. His activities were eventually reported to the State Department, and Adams sent a warning to aid groups on June 2nd, 2023, stating: "Beware of American Ryan Routh."

Despite these repeated warnings, Routh’s behavior continued unchecked, ultimately culminating in his arrest Sunday following the alleged assassination attempt on Trump. While state charges are still pending, Routh has been charged by the DOJ under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and under 18 U.S.C. § 922(k) for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Both charges carry severe penalties, including up to 15 years and 5 years in prison, respectively.