Ret. Greensboro PD Officer Eric Rasecke encountered Routh over 100 times, describing him as someone who often "played the victim" and believed himself above the law.
Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Trump, has a lengthy criminal record and a history of portraying himself as a victim, according to a retired police officer who interacted with him numerous times.
Eric Rasecke, a former Greensboro Police Department officer and Air Force veteran, witnessed Routh's deterioration from a successful roofer to an individual consumed by paranoia and drug abuse. Routh's arrest record dates back to the 1980s, with charges ranging from writing bad checks to possessing weapons of mass destruction.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
"Routh's attitude was that he was above everybody. He could do what he wanted," Rasecke told Fox News Digital. "He was pretty entitled... He ran his mouth quite a bit about how he could get off and how he owned a successful business and nobody could do anything to him."
Rasecke estimates having seen Routh at least once a day, since the suspect lived and worked within Rasecke's patrol zone. Despite the numerous citations issued for expired license and registration violations, Routh remained brazen in his actions.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
"He would drive right by you and smile... We got on a first-name basis," Rasecke recalled. "It would be not uncommon to have him cited many times a week. He was brazen about it."
Over the years, Routh's physical appearance and demeanor changed as he became more involved in drug use. His weight loss and increased paranoia were evident to Rasecke, along with escalating charges such as hit-and-run, possession of stolen goods, and weapon of mass destruction offenses.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
In December 2002, Routh barricaded himself inside his roofing business after being pulled over. After three hours of negotiations, he surrendered without incident. Rasecke believes this incident should have raised concerns.
"Because of his flagrant, above-the-law mentality, the fact that he felt like he could do anything... the drugs could warp... his mind, the issue of him barricading himself inside the business... should have put a red flag on his name," Rasecke explained.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
Timothy Pruitt, branch manager of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., had several interactions with Routh in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Pruitt described Routh as a "nice guy" initially, but later learned he had moved out of state.
About seven or eight months ago, Pruitt saw Routh's Facebook posts on politics and the Russia-Ukraine war. He considered messaging Routh but decided against it. Upon seeing Routh's photo on television in connection with the assassination attempt, Pruitt was shocked.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
"I said, 'Oh my goodness. That’s crazy,'" Pruitt recalled.
Daniel Redford, president of the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police, expressed concern over Routh's access to firearms despite his criminal record. "If he’s a convicted felon, how did he have a gun in the first place?" Redford questioned.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
Redford believes stronger punishments are necessary for felons in possession of weapons. He also noted the growing volatility in the political climate, which has led to an increase in violent threats and acts.
Criminal defense attorney Brett Rosen does not believe Routh's criminal history should have been a red flag for law enforcement, as there was no evidence of prior threats against Trump. Rosen emphasized the importance of proper security sweeps at places where the former president is known to be visiting.
Ryan Routh, Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect, Known for Playing the Victim, Says Retired Officer
Law enforcement expects to charge Routh with attempted murder if they gather sufficient evidence.
