[Gunman, Photo credit to pxhere]

Ryan Wesley Routh, aged 58, has been charged with two federal gun-related crimes after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club on Sunday.

The incident occurred while Trump was golfing with friends, and gunshots were heard near the course, prompting Secret Service agents to intervene.

Routh, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and has been charged accordingly.

Authorities discovered a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope, a digital camera, and a backpack containing food at the scene where Routh had been lying in wait for nearly 12 hours.

Law enforcement sources say Routh was detained while driving his daughter’s car, fleeing the scene in an SUV, before being apprehended by local authorities.

Trump, alongside his running mate JD Vance, have publicly blamed the rhetoric of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for inciting violence.

In a livestream on Monday, Trump recounted the moments before the shooting, describing how he and his companions were caught off guard by the sudden gunfire.

Routh appeared in federal court on Monday, facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The judge found that Routh had no funds to afford legal representation, noting that he earns approximately $3,000 a month but has no savings or real estate.

A detention hearing for Routh is set for September 23, with the arraignment scheduled for September 30.

If convicted, Routh could face up to 15 years in prison for the firearm possession charge and up to five years for the second charge.

The FBI is actively investigating Routh’s background to determine if he acted alone or had any accomplices.

Records reveal that Routh has an extensive criminal history in North Carolina and previously protested in Kyiv following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Routh self-published a 291-page book, though authorities have yet to determine any connections between his writings and the alleged assassination attempt.

Investigators are in the process of obtaining search warrants for Routh’s vehicle, phone, and other electronic devices.

The Secret Service has come under scrutiny following the incident, as questions arise over whether security measures were adequate.

The agency has defended its action, stating that Trump was never in direct danger due to Routh’s inability to gain a clear line of sight on the former president.

This is the second attempt on Trump’s life in recent months, following a July rally incident in Pennsylvania where Trump was grazed by a bullet.

No injuries were reported during Sunday’s incident, but security around Trump has been tightened as the investigation continues.

Routh’s motives remain unclear, but authorities are examining whether political rhetoric played a role in his decision to target Trump.

The investigation is ongoing, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days as the FBI and local law enforcement pursue further leads.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as the investigation into the motive and potential accomplices continues.