Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday denounced the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump after it emerged the suspect previously traveled to Ukraine to support the war against Russia.
“I am glad to hear that @realDonaldTrump is safe and unharmed,” the president tweeted early Monday, a day after a gunman allegedly pointed an AK-47 at former Trump as he played golf in Florida.
Ukraine came into focus because suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, previously expressed support for the fight against the Russian invasion, taking part in demonstrations in Kyiv to support Ukrainians trapped in the city of Mariupol and also trying to get troops to help in the battle.
His involvement in the war coincided with his turning against Trump, whom he said he previously supported, according to social media posts.
“It’s good that the suspect in the assassination attempt was apprehended quickly,” Zelensky said Monday.
“This is our principle: the rule of law is paramount and political violence has no place anywhere in the world,” he said, extending “best wishes” to him and his family.
Zelensky spoke as his nation’s military attempted to distance themselves from the would-be gunman.
“He did not serve here and has no ties to state structures, that’s for sure. He entered Ukraine as a nobody, just a supporter, there are many people like this,” a high-ranking Ukrainian official speaking on condition of anonymity told Agence France Presse.
Ukraine’s International Legion composed of foreign volunteers also denied any ties to Routh, saying he had not served with them and had “no relation to the unit” since Russia’s Feb. 2022 attack.
Sunday’s incident was the second time a gunman armed with an assault rifle has tried to kill the 45th president in two months.
Routh’s attempts were squashed, however, after a Secret Service agent spotted him 300 to 500 yards away from Trump with his rifle sticking through a chain link fence. After the agent opened fire, Routh fled the scene. He was arrested on I-95 soon after.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said Trump’s security detail was lighter because he isn’t a sitting president — despite the recent attempt on his life in July.
Law-enforcement sources also told The Post on Sunday that Routh was a Hawaii resident who has championed progressive causes online and was a reliable donor to Democratic causes and candidates.
