Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump, sought military-grade weapons, including a rocket launcher, from a Ukrainian contact. He stated his intent was to prevent Trump's re-election.

Prosecutors say Routh's plot was premeditated. He scouted Trump's locations and gave a friend a box with an assassination plan, burner phones, and ammunition. He also contacted someone in Mexico for smuggling assistance.

Routh researched and attempted to purchase a sniper rifle. He purchased a military-grade SKS rifle, which he used in the assassination attempt. He surveilled Trump's routes, researching various aspects of Trump's life and security.

On the day of the attempt, Routh set up a sniper hideout. Secret Service agents spotted him before he could act, and he fled, abandoning his rifle. He was later arrested and charged with attempted assassination and other related offenses.