Investigators 'laser-focused' on whether Trump gunman acted alone, Florida sheriff says

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said the FBI and Secret Service are “laser-focused” on whether the attempted attack on former President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday was part of a bigger scheme.

“I think what we’re finding out is he’s not from this area,” Sheriff Snyder told reporters of the gunman Monday, “which of course raises the bigger question, is how does a guy from not here get all the way to Trump International, realize that the president, the former president of the United States is golfing and is able to get a rifle in that vicinity?

“I think that’s the question the FBI and the Secret Service are laser-focused on,” he said. “Is this guy part of a conspiracy? Is he a lone gunman?”

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested Sunday and is charged with federal gun crimes in connection with the assassination attempt of Mr. Trump.

The former president was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, when Secret Service spotted an AK-47 style rifle through the fence. Agents opened fire, causing Mr. Routh to flee.

He was later detained and arrested in Martin County. Two backpacks, the gun and a GoPro camera were found in the spot he fled.

Court records revealed Monday that he was camped outside the golf course Sunday with food and a rifle waiting for the former president. Cellphone data revealed that he was situated outside the course from about 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m.

“If he’s part of a conspiracy, then this whole thing really takes on an ominous tone,” the sheriff said.

Mr. Routh appeared in federal court Monday in West Palm Beach.

This incident comes roughly two months after Mr. Trump was shot by a 20-year-old shooter while at a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet grazed his ear, while one attendee was killed and two others were injured.