Staff Reports
The latest episode in the saga of the FBI’s unyielding dedication to missing the mark involves recent events surrounding Ryan Routh, the man who found himself aiming a rifle at former President Donald Trump while Trump played golf. It seems that five years ago, the FBI received a tip about Routh being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, but this was neatly stuffed in a drawer marked “not our problem” after being handed off to local law enforcement in Hawaii. So much for keeping tabs on characters who are a danger to society.
Routh’s journey from North Carolina to Hawaii was marked by an impressive criminal résumé, including a conviction for possessing a “weapon of mass destruction.” His background was apparently so colorful that it raised eyebrows in 2019, leading a tipster to inform the FBI about his criminal exploits. However, after a thorough investigation—or perhaps a casual glance—the FBI decided it was best to let local cops in Honolulu handle it. After all, why would the FBI want to pursue a potentially dangerous individual who openly flouted the law?
FBI was alerted in 2019 that attempted Trump assassin had a firearm despite being a felon. Honolulu office investigated and closed the case pic.twitter.com/okjTDH2JA8
— Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) September 17, 2024
Fast forward to the chaos on a sunny Sunday at Trump International Golf Club in Florida where Routh decided a golf outing would be the opportune moment to showcase his firearm prowess. An alert Secret Service agent, probably weighing the odds of a golf ball versus an armed assailant, spotted Routh and took immediate action. While the golf scorecards may have been affected, thanks to a few shots fired in Routh’s direction, the agent’s swift response ensured no harm befell the former president. The situation, while slightly chaotic, was handled with the kind of agility one would expect from a tight-knit security team that takes their job seriously—unlike the FBI’s earlier response.
With Routh now facing federal charges, including possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, the FBI has decided to engage in a full-fledged investigation. One can’t help but wonder why it took nearly half a decade for the agency to decide that Routh was worth their time. One possible explanation could lie in Routh’s publicly expressed disdain for Trump after initially supporting him back in 2016. As Routh’s online presence shows more signs of escalating aggression, one might begin to question what exactly the FBI considers “actionable” intelligence when it comes to threats against notable figures.
This entire debacle raises questions over the FBI’s priorities. Apparently, investigating parents at school board meetings is far more pressing than keeping tabs on a man who openly mused about recruiting soldiers for Ukraine and self-published a digital book expressing delight at the thought of Trump’s assassination. While the agency defends its inaction from five years ago, it does seem a bit ironic that it only chose to take action once Routh pointed a weapon at a former president on a golf course.
Ultimately, the Routh case underscores broader concerns about the FBI’s focus and effectiveness when monitoring genuine threats. As the nation reels from the implications of this incident, it seems the FBI may need a refresher course on who truly poses a danger to society, starting with a simple checklist that includes “felon,” “firearm,” and “disturbing online activity.” A clearer understanding of priorities might help them address larger threats that loom over the country, particularly when it involves keeping a former president safe. In a climate rife with division, a stronger focus on vigilance instead of bureaucratic red tape could never hurt.
