The recent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump by Ryan Wesley Routh has raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence monitoring. Routh’s extensive criminal record and foreign activities are now under close examination.

Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, revealed that the Department of Justice National Security Division is actively involved in the investigation. This includes coordinating with local U.S. Attorney’s Offices and executing search warrants to uncover more about Routh’s background.

Former FBI agent Jeff Danik voiced his surprise that Routh was not previously flagged by intelligence agencies. Danik noted that Routh’s criminal history, coupled with his activities in Ukraine, should have made him a subject of interest for the CIA and NSA. He questioned whether Routh’s communications and activities were monitored prior to the assassination attempt.

Routh’s criminal background includes felony possession of a machine gun and other serious offenses. Despite these convictions, he did not serve prison time, raising concerns about the handling of his case by law enforcement. The FBI had received a tip in 2019 about Routh’s illegal firearm possession, but it appears local authorities did not act on this information.

Routh’s history with local police in Greensboro, North Carolina, highlights his problematic behavior, including a 2002 standoff with authorities. His recent activities, such as recruiting fighters for Ukraine and supporting progressive causes, further complicate his profile.

Routh’s book, Ukraine’s Unwinnable War, which includes harsh criticisms of Trump and controversial statements, is now under scrutiny. The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether U.S. intelligence had any prior knowledge of Routh’s violent intentions and connections.