Ryan Wesley Routh's life is a complicated web of ideas and actions.

Recently detained in Florida following suspected stalking of former President Donald Trump with an apparent intent to kill, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh provides a picture of a life marked by contradiction, activism, and a criminal record. Widely reported upon, his arrest happened while Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida.Equipped with an SKS-style rifle, Routh's effort was halted by the Secret Service. But the specifics of his life, his changing political views, and his online presence expose a considerably more complex story.

Through his self-published book Ukraine's Unwinnable War and regular social media posts, Routh's opinions—which expressed themselves— saw between support and criticism for political leaders all around. He once hailed Trump, supporting him for the 2016 contest. However, he turned radically against the former president in recent years, pushing Iran to kill Trump over his involvement in the Capitol riot and departure from the Iran nuclear deal. In his book, Routh called Trump a "fool" and a " buffoon," accusing him of erasing American dignity and endangering world peace.

An Ideological Trip Changing Direction

Routh's ideological path is rife with paradoxes, from left to right-wing allegiance. Originally supporting Trump, he eventually started vocally supporting leftist leaders like Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard. His internet comments even showed appreciation for well-known Republican Nikki Haley. His contempt of Trump does not mean he is absolutely anti-Republican as his unpredictable political posture points to a general disenchantment with both parties.

Though mostly focused on Ukraine and what he saw as the "unwinnable war" against Russia, his book also explores his more general geopolitical worries, including dissatisfaction with global corruption and male-dominated leadership. In one part, he maintained that women should run the planet since many of the issues facing it could be attributed to insecure, immature men in leadership roles.

The Ukrainian Connection

Routh's obsession in world affairs went much beyond American political scene. Routh tried to enlist warriors to protect Ukraine against Russian forces following Russia's invasion of that country in 2022. Regularly sharing his respect of the Ukrainian cause online, he even made a brief protest at Independence Square in Kyiv in April 2022. He had flown there. Officials from the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command discounted Routh's efforts as chaotic and ineffective, even if he vocally supported Ukraine. Routh routinely called the International Legion of Ukraine with what Oleksandr Shahiri, head of the Foreigners Coordination Department, said was "delusional ideas."

Routh's obsession with the fight ran strong even though he never formally participated in Ukraine's military. Citing concerns of Russian spy penetration, he even tried to get Afghan commandos to join the Ukrainian army but expressed disappointment when Kyiv rejected them. His love of Ukraine permeated the artistic sphere as he sought to arrange an emotional tribute song for the war effort—a project never realized—using performers like Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews.

Criminal Record and Disturbed Background

Beyond his advocacy, Routh's record is dotted with legal problems, including a 2002 conviction for weapons and explosives following a confrontation with North Carolina police. Routh had locked himself inside a company during the encounter with what investigators said to be a fully automatic machine pistol. Although the standoff resolved amicably, the ensuing legal actions resulted in a felony conviction and a court-ordered mental health assessment. Routh escaped jail time and was sentenced to probation despite these major transgressions.

2010 saw Routh once more found guilty of felony possession of stolen items. Court filings state that Routh had been stockpiling pilfers of building supplies at his roofing company, funding crack cocaine purchases from their sales. These events speak to a problematic person with a past of erratic behavior and legal brushes-off.

From North Carolina to Hawaii: Changing Focus

Routh moved to Kaaawa, Hawaii, in 2018 after spending much of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he got interested in building small wooden shelters meant to house homeless persons. In talks with local media sources, he promoted his effort as a solution for Hawaii's homelessness crisis—a passion he possessed. But his calm life in the little town, where neighbors said he was kind and courteous, hid the more chaotic and deadly part of his nature that would shortly surface.

Though Routh's existence in Hawaii seemed like an attempt to start over, his unhappiness with the status of the world—whether in Ukraine, the United States, or beyond—never faded. His social media posts grew more extreme, alternately demanding dramatic action and calling for calm. Further highlighting his wide and unfocused spectrum of political concerns, he also contacted prominent personalities like Dennis Rodman asking for assistance removing sanctions on North Korea.