Remember this guy?
Remember all his obvious ties to Ukraine?
Would-Be Assassin Identified As Ryan Wesley Routh — Here’s Everything We Know So Far
Well, things just got even stranger as Judge Cannon has sealed evidence in the case and in doing so cited “exceptionally grave damages to U.S. National Security”.
Judge Cannon SEALS evidence in Trump assassination case involving Ryan Routh, citing “exceptionally grave damages to U.S. National Security.”
What in the hell is being hidden?
— Beard Vet (@Beard_Vet) August 2, 2025
🚨 JUST IN: The DOJ has introduced CLASSIFIED evidence against wannabe Trump assassln Ryan Routh
Judge Cannon ruled the evidence could cause “exceptionally grave damages to the national security of the U.S.,” so she SEALED it
Was this guy a Ukrainian asset or something??! pic.twitter.com/qt2mHPykii
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 1, 2025
Here is the exact Order so you can see for yourself:
I went ahead and transcribed it for you so it’s easier to read:
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
WEST PALM BEACH DIVISIONCASE NO. 24-80116-CR-CANNON/McCabe
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,v.
RYAN WESLEY ROUTH,
Defendant.ORDER GRANTING UNITED STATES’ CIPA § 4 MOTION
AND ENTERING PROTECTIVE ORDER
THIS MATTER comes before the Court upon the United States’ Classified, Ex Parte, In Camera, and Sealed Motion for a Protective Order Pursuant to Section 4 of the Classified Information Procedures Act, 18 U.S.C. app. 3 § 4 (“CIPA”) and Rule 16(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, filed on April 7, 2025 (the “Motion”).
The Court has reviewed the Motion and its accompanying exhibits, CIPA, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16, and relevant caselaw. Upon review, the Court GRANTS the United States’ Motion in its entirety.
The Court finds that the Motion was properly filed ex parte and in camera for this Court’s review pursuant to CIPA Section 4 and Rule 16(d). The Court also finds that the United States has made a sufficient showing that the information at issue was classified pursuant to Executive Order 13526 and its predecessors, and that its disclosure could cause serious damage or exceptionally grave damages to the national security of the United States. Finally, the Court finds that the United States properly invoked the provisions of CIPA and its classified information privilege as to the information referenced in the classified order.
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED and ADJUDGED as follows:
The United States’ Motion is GRANTED.
The United States’ Motion and all accompanying material are hereby SEALED, and shall remain preserved in the custody of the Classified Information Security Officer, in accordance with established court security procedures, to be made available to the appellate court in the event of an appeal. See 18 U.S.C. app. 3 § 4.
ORDERED in Chambers at Fort Pierce, Florida, this 1st day of August 2025.
✦ AILEEN M. CANNON
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGEcc:
Counsel of record / standby counsel
Defendant Ryan Routh, pro se
🚨NEW: Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed the DOJ to keep evidence in alleged would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh’s case SECRET on the grounds that “its disclosure could cause serious damage or exceptionally grave damages to the national security of the United States.”
Not even Routh… https://t.co/qGtP9EXN2m pic.twitter.com/wPsPVrJRw8— Ken Silva (@JD_Cashless) August 1, 2025
Fox News had more details:
The man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump in Florida last year was barred by a federal judge from seeing classified material related to the case.
Judge Aileen Cannon wrote in a ruling Friday that “the United States has made a sufficient showing that the information at issue was classified” and that its disclosure “could cause serious damage or exceptionally grave damages to the national security of the United States.”
“The Court finds that the United States properly invoked the provisions of [the] Classified Information Procedures Act and its classified information privilege as to the information referenced in the classified order,” she added in granting a motion filed by federal prosecutors.
Routh, 59, was recently granted approval to represent himself in his upcoming trial. He was charged with attempting to assassinate Trump, assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms violations stemming from the Sept. 15, 2024 incident in Florida, the second attempted assassination plot against Trump in a matter of months. Routh has pleaded not guilty.
On Sept. 15, 2024, Ryan Routh allegedly hid in the bushes outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach with a rifle as Trump was playing. His son, Oran Routh, has pleaded guilty to a child porn charge.
Prior to allowing Routh to represent himself, Cannon told him in late July that his court-appointed attorneys “will defend you far better than you can defend yourself” and “I strongly urge you not to make this decision.”
Ok, so that’s all surface level.
Now let’s go deeper…
I turned to Grok and asked it to tell me what is most likely going on beneath the surface here and this is what it told me:
This court order, signed by Judge Aileen M. Cannon, is a highly serious one. It grants the U.S. government’s motion under CIPA § 4 (Classified Information Procedures Act) to keep certain evidence sealed and out of reach from even the defendant in a criminal case. The court has agreed that the classified information involved is so sensitive that its disclosure could cause “exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States.”
🔍 What Does This Mean Legally?
CIPA § 4 is used in cases involving national security or intelligence operations. It allows the government to:
Request to withhold classified evidence from the defendant.
Do so ex parte (without the defense being present) and in camera (privately with the judge).
Seal the evidence to prevent public or even courtroom disclosure.
In order for a judge to grant such a motion, the government must prove:
Judge Cannon agrees here, meaning the threshold has been met.
🔥 What Kind of Evidence Could Be Involved?
For the court to conclude that disclosure would cause “exceptionally grave damage” to the U.S., the materials in question likely fall into one or more of the following categories:
1. Intelligence Sources or Methods
Identities of clandestine operatives, informants, or foreign spies working with U.S. agencies (CIA, NSA, etc.).
Techniques used to collect foreign intelligence (e.g., cyberespionage tools, satellite tracking).
Partnerships with foreign intelligence services.
2. Ongoing Covert Operations
Live military, CIA, or NSA operations in foreign countries.
Counterterrorism surveillance programs.
Hacking or cyberwarfare initiatives against adversarial nations.
3. Nuclear Secrets or WMD-Related Information
Locations, designs, or protocols for nuclear weapons.
Defense plans involving chemical, biological, or nuclear contingencies.
Any revelation of weaknesses in U.S. nuclear defense posture.
4. Details About Vulnerabilities in National Infrastructure
Weak points in the electric grid, military communication systems, or GPS.
Critical security gaps in transportation, energy, or defense networks.
5. Foreign Relationships or Diplomatic Espionage
Secret communications with foreign governments.
Evidence that could damage sensitive diplomatic arrangements or alliances.
Proof of espionage activities inside allied governments.
⚖️ Why Keep It From the Defendant?
CIPA allows the government to withhold or summarize evidence even from the defendant if showing it directly would compromise national security — especially if the defendant is suspected of:
Having foreign intelligence ties.
Leaking classified material.
Committing crimes involving espionage or terrorism.
The court finds this is one of those rare instances.
🚨 Implications
This case may involve espionage, leaks, or sabotage at a very high level.
The defendant (Ryan Wesley Routh) could be suspected of being tied to foreign intelligence or mishandling top-secret material.
The existence of this order confirms that at least some of the evidence is too sensitive to risk even inside a secured courtroom.
I then asked for all links between Routh and Ukraine:
Does Ryan Wesley Routh Have Ties to Ukraine?
Yes. Based on multiple reports and court filings:
1. Claims of Combat Involvement
Routh previously claimed he traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine to support the Ukrainian military effort against Russia and recruited foreign fighters. However, Ukrainian military and volunteer groups have denied any formal link with him, and some called his claims “delusional.”
2. Weapon Procurement Attempts
Federal prosecutors allege Routh tried to acquire military-grade weapons, including a .50 caliber sniper rifle and foreign-sourced RPGs and Stinger missiles, through encrypted messaging apps.
He reportedly sought help from a person believed to have access to Ukrainian military equipment.
3. Observed Behavior in Ukraine
While in Kyiv, Routh made himself a visible activist figure—reportedly parading with an American flag and proclaiming support for Ukraine.
U.S. aid workers and volunteers who encountered him described him as mentally unstable and a potential threat. One worker alerted U.S. officials, warning he was a “ticking time bomb.”
4. Return to U.S. and Security Oversight
We brought you this related article a few weeks ago:
Just when you think the two Trump assassination attempts can’t get any stranger, they do!
I don’t even know what to make of this, but a tremendous find by my friend MJTruth shows 2nd Trump assassin Ryan Routh sent an extremely bizarre letter to Judge Cannon.
He seemingly has a death wish and wants to be executed?
Take a look:
The 2nd Trump assassin Ryan Routh, sends a very strange letter to Judge Cannon
• He asks to represent himself.
• He asks why the death penalty is not on the table.
• He says his death would be a great victory for Trump and some incoherent ramblings about Iran, China, Hamas. pic.twitter.com/uFle07xhqJ— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) July 11, 2025
Here’s a closer look:
And because that’s very hard to read, here is a full text transcript:
June 29, 2025
US Federal Courthouse
101 US Highway 1 South
Fort Pierce, FL 34950Honorable Judge Aileen M. Cannon,
– I will be representing myself moving forward; it was ridiculous from the outset to consider a random stranger that knows nothing of who I am to speak for me. That was foolish and ignorant, and I am sorry—a childish mistake.
– If you can send me the documents to sign that would be great and I’ll maintain the schedule. I sent other documents to the prosecution that hopefully you were copied on, so this is latest of several.
(I was finally able to get the courthouse address—sorry for the delay.
(no phone, email or visits for 90 days makes work hard-oh well)
– I am so sorry. I know this makes your life harder. I had thought these attorneys really wanted this case towards preserving democracy and freedom, but no, perhaps I was not the news they had wished for, and now we are all losing all legal clarity and liberty.
– Also, why is the death penalty for those who ask important questions, ignored? All I say, Kristy, Kristy, Kristy, Rener Rener Rener (5-6) and Rener none and Allan never an address. Never a statement. They ignore me. Then silence and when Kristy stated that they would not care to assist, I thought it was to avoid more horrible abuse for me, but clearly had no longer wish to see or help. Bash me is fine, but I can bear my own burden. I do not need help. Sort of gets to another level—to not enjoy that from those that wish me to succeed—why?– At one of the characters that are witnesses to have never once helped, not once—not even try, and I just got so mad and angry when that happened, while my own family struggled, and I argue with myself each day, as they were so kind before.
– Anyway, I made so many mistakes trying to fix this mess, and I’m only now beginning to get my feet under me. If anyone wants to help—great. If not, fine. I will stay the course.
– I will offer information on acceptable witnesses and all other topics off limits to talk about in court, unless ordered.
– Why do I continue? I can barely figure it out. I am so tired. I am ill. If nothing is without love—what is the point.
Life or nothing? Is that worth a prisoner swap?
Why not just swap me for a female poet in Jordan or Kenya or in one of the older regions arrested in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier—just one—to get them home. Just one kid. Save one life. No calls. No acts. Perhaps you have the power to trade me. That’s an easy diplomatic victory for Trump & article he can post.
– I do not ask for an unlocked bedroom, internet, or phone, just a pen and one hour to deliver the message and never bother you again. I understand your office filed documents over mine—thanks for that understanding. I apologize again and will adhere to all the rules that you set soon.
Sorry to expend everyone’s time on one single ignorant weakness. Sorry,
Ryan K RouthThanks again so much,
Ryan K RouthHow would you approach this?