The incident occurred when Secret Service agents noticed Ryan Wesley Routh near the golf course with an AK-47-style rifle. Routh allegedly fired shots but no one was injured. He fled the scene but was later apprehended by police on Interstate 95. The quick response of the Secret Service and coordination among law enforcement agencies prevented what could have been a deadly attack. This event has prompted an investigation into the security protocols at venues frequented by prominent individuals.

Ryan Wesley Routh, previously involved in various criminal activities including a conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, has been vocal about his support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. His frustrations with U.S. policy towards Ukraine, as evidenced in multiple interviews and social media posts, appear to have contributed to his radical actions. Routh's complex profile includes political donations predominantly to Democratic candidates and his self-proclaimed involvement in foreign conflicts, painting a picture of a man deeply entangled in ideological struggles.

The assassination attempt has elicited a wide range of responses from public figures and politicians. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and reiterated their stance against violence. The incident has also sparked discussions about the impact of inflammatory political rhetoric and the need for a balanced discourse without inciting violence. The security arrangements for former presidents and the implications for the upcoming elections are also under scrutiny.