'Would-be assassin' was former Trump voter rejected as a fighter by Ukraine

THE suspect in the apparent second assassination attempt on Donald Trump is a former supporter of the ex-President.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

But in a social media post expressing his regret at voting for the right-wing populist in 2016, Ryan Routh said: "I will be glad when you [are] gone." He also penned a self-published book in which he described Trump as a "buffoon" and a "fool".

It also emerged yesterday that Routh volunteered in Kyiv to help fight the Russian invasion, but was rejected.

He was detained on Sunday after pointing an assault rifle at Trump as he played a round of golf in Florida, according to reports. He did not have a line of sight on Trump and never fired, the Secret Service said last night.

His son insisted he was not a violent man, adding: "I've never known him to own a gun." However, 22 years ago, Routh was convicted of possessing a machine gun after a three-hour standoff with police.

As details emerged of his background, the Secret Service faced questions after the second apparent attempt on Trump's life in just over two months. The former property mogul was shot in the ear during a rally in July.

West Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said Routh was arrested as he fled Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, after a Secret Service member spotted the muzzle of a gun and opened fire.

He briefly appeared in court in West Palm Beach yesterday, facing firearms charges. More serious charges may follow.

Routh is from North Carolina but moved to Hawaii in 2018.