American man with plans for Kyiv 'human shield' village arrested for Trump assassination attempt

According to Kevin Chang, a collaborator of the Swedish newspaper, 58-year-old Ryan Routh clearly stood out among the people passing through the station. "He was very moved by what happened in Ukraine, confident in his support, but at the same time dismayed by the situation in the world," noted Chang.

During a half-hour conversation, Routh discussed his idea of creating an international tent city in Kyiv that would serve as a human shield. He was looking for volunteers and flags of various countries for this purpose.

- We need thousands of civilians from every country arm in arm in the center of Kyiv, saying: this is not right. If Putin is OK with killing Ukrainians, then he needs to kill people from other countries as well. He can start with me - assassinator explained to the photojournalist.

Photojournalist Chang took a picture of Routh in the station hall, which he later published on his Instagram and in "Dagens Nyheter." The American posed with a US flag and a Hawaiian flower lei around his neck.

Chang exchanged email contacts with Routh, during which the American promised to send more photos. Communication ceased after Routh left for Ukraine.

American investigators determined that Routh spent 12 hours near Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. On September 15, he attempted to shoot the former president with an automatic rifle while hiding behind thick hedges. He was scared off by Secret Service agents and tried to escape by car but was quickly apprehended.

Investigators found a handwritten letter from Routh stating his intention to kill Trump. Data from his cell phone indicated that he had been in Florida since August 18 and frequently appeared near the candidate's residence for this year's US presidential election.