Multiple Warnings About Trump Stalker Ignored by U.S. Agencies
U.S. agencies received at least four reports about Ryan Routh's concerning behavior before his arrest for stalking Donald Trump. Questions arise about the effectiveness of federal threat assessment protocols.
In a troubling revelation, it has come to light that U.S. authorities received multiple warnings about Ryan Routh before his arrest for stalking former President Donald Trump. The 58-year-old suspect's erratic behavior and potential threats were reported to various agencies over the past few years, raising questions about the effectiveness of federal threat assessment protocols.
Chelsea Walsh, a nurse and aid worker, encountered Routh in Kyiv during the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She described him as an "eccentric fellow American" who displayed increasingly concerning behavior. Walsh observed Routh engaging in aggressive acts and making disturbing statements, including detailed plans to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"There is one person you need to watch, and that is Ryan Routh."
Alarmed by her observations, Walsh reported her concerns to U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon her return to the United States in June 2022. She later submitted tips to both the FBI and Interpol. However, Walsh claims she never received any follow-up regarding her reports.
At least three other reports about Routh were made to U.S. government agencies prior to his arrest. These included:
- A 2019 FBI tip about Routh possessing a firearm despite felony convictions
- A 2022 online report to the State Department questioning Routh's military recruiting tactics
- Routh's own interview with Customs and Border Protection in June 2023
The response to these reports remains unclear, with agencies either not responding to inquiries, having no record of such reports, or questioning whether the information warranted further investigation.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concern about the situation, stating, "Federal agencies ought to be on the highest alert to detect and combat these threats."
Routh's criminal history includes a 2002 arrest in Greensboro, North Carolina, for barricading himself with weapons, and a 2010 incident involving stolen property. In both cases, he received probation or suspended sentences.
The lack of action on these warnings has led to criticism of federal agencies' vigilance in handling potential threats. As the investigation into Routh's case continues, questions remain about how such red flags could have been overlooked and what measures can be implemented to prevent similar oversights in the future.
