A man charged with attempting to kill Trump authored a book that called on Iran to assassinate the former president.

 KAAAWA, Hawaii (AP) — Ryan Routh presented himself online as a philanthropist involved in building housing for the homeless in Hawaii, an advocate for recruiting fighters to aid Ukraine against Russia, and a vocal supporter and critic of Donald Trump. In a 2023 self-published book titled Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, Routh controversially urged Iran to assassinate Trump, describing the former president as a “fool” and a “buffoon” due to his role in the January 6 Capitol riots and his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Routh admitted to once supporting Trump but later blamed himself for the election of someone he deemed “brainless.”

Routh, 58, was arrested on Sunday after allegedly stalking Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, armed with an AK-47-style rifle. The Secret Service intervened and thwarted the apparent assassination attempt.

Three officials who revealed Routh's identity spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to comment on the ongoing investigation or the search for a motive.

Through his extensive online presence, public records, news interviews, and videos, a picture has emerged of Routh as a man with a criminal history, abundant outrage, and fluctuating political views.

His more than 500 posts on X reveal a spectrum of political beliefs, from left to right, including support for politicians like Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Nikki Haley, and Trump.

Voter records show he registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012 and last voted in person during the state's Democratic primary in March.

Additionally, federal campaign finance records indicate that Routh made 19 small donations totaling $140 to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates, since 2012

In a June 2020 tweet, following the police killing of George Floyd, Routh suggested that then-President Trump could secure reelection by issuing an executive order to address police misconduct. However, his recent posts indicate a shift away from Trump, with Routh expressing support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the current Democratic presidential nominees.

In April, Routh tweeted on X, “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose,” showing his backing for Biden. Following the assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally in July, Routh's account urged Biden and Harris to visit the injured and attend the funeral of a firefighter who was killed. “Trump will never do anything for them,” Routh wrote. “Show the world what compassion and humanity are all about.”

In his book, available on Amazon and reviewed by the AP, Routh expressed frustration with being categorized politically, stating: “I get so tired of people asking me if I am a Democrat or Republican as I refuse to be put in a category.” He also argued that the world would be better if led by women, claiming that “the totality of the world’s problems revolve around men with massive insecurity and childlike intelligence and behavior.” 

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