The arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, suspected of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, caused chaos in Florida on I-95. Routh, armed with an AK-47-style rifle, was spotted near the fifth and sixth holes of Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach. Secret Service agents quickly opened fire, prompting Routh to drop his weapon and flee the scene in a black Nissan.
Witnesses Describe the Mayhem
Eyewitnesses on the scene have described the frenzy that unfolded on I-95 as multiple law enforcement vehicles pursued the suspect. “We saw multiple officers speeding up behind us,” said Daniel Rodriguez, a Florida motorist who was driving with his family. “A black Nissan was weaving in and out of traffic, followed by helicopters and patrol cars.”
Rodriguez explained how his family was stuck in traffic for over two hours before being escorted out by police. He recalled seeing at least 20 patrol cars in pursuit and officers pointing rifles at Routh once they surrounded him.
Calm Arrest Despite Chaos
BREAKING: Bodycam Footage RELEASED of The Martin County Sheriff’s Office ARRESTING Trump’s attempted assassin.
Thank God President Trump is safe and God Bless our brave police officers!
With more information coming out, how was this even possible!? pic.twitter.com/w44BeOMq9g
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) September 16, 2024
Routh was eventually arrested 36 miles away in Martin County after a traffic stop. Witnesses reported that he remained eerily calm throughout the arrest, even as officers pointed rifles at him. State Attorney David Aronberg noted that Routh’s demeanor suggested previous run-ins with law enforcement, though not necessarily for a crime of this magnitude.
Major Traffic Delays on I-95
The pursuit led to significant traffic backups on I-95, one of Florida’s busiest highways. Drivers were stuck for hours as police worked to apprehend the suspect. Rodriguez, still shaken by the event, commented, “It was like something out of a movie. I’ve never seen anything like it.”