Ryan Wesley Routh presented himself online as an individual who built homes for the homeless in Hawaii, attempted to recruit fighters to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and expressed fluctuating opinions about Donald Trump, including urging Iran to assassinate him.

In a self-published book from 2023 titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” Routh described Trump as a “fool” and a “buffoon” due to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots and the “significant mistake” of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. Routh also reflected on his past support for Trump, acknowledging his role in electing someone he now considers “brainless” as president.

Routh, 58, was taken into custody on Sunday after authorities allege he stalked the GOP presidential nominee while the candidate was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to reports, Routh was carrying an AK-47-style rifle and was reportedly planning an assassination attempt, which was intercepted by the Secret Service.

From his extensive online presence, public records, news interviews, and videos, a profile of Routh has emerged as an individual with a criminal background, significant anger, and fluctuating political views.

Routh’s extensive activity on X, with over 500 posts, revealed a wide spectrum of political views, including support for figures like Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump.

Voter records indicate that he registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012 and most recently participated in the state’s Democratic primary in March. Additionally, federal campaign finance records show that Routh made 19 small donations totaling $140 to ActBlue, a PAC that supports Democratic candidates, since 2019.

Following the police killing of George Floyd in June 2020, Routh suggested in a tweet that President Trump could secure reelection by issuing an executive order to address police misconduct. However, his recent posts seem to reflect a shift in his views, as he has since shown support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the current Democratic presidential candidates.

In April, Routh posted on X, “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose,” expressing his support for Biden.

Following the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania in July, Routh’s account included a post urging Biden and Harris to visit the victims of the shooting and attend the funeral of the firefighter who was killed. “Trump will never do anything for them,” Routh wrote. “Show the world what compassion and humanity is all about.”

In his book, available on Amazon and reviewed by the AP, Routh mentioned, “I get so tired of people asking me if I am a Democrat or Republican as I refuse to be put in a category.”

In his book, which is linked to his website and X account, Routh argued that the world would be better if it were led by women. He claimed that many of the world’s problems stem from “men with massive insecurity and childlike intelligence and behavior.”

Routh was also very active on social media, frequently posting about Ukraine and other conflicts. He operated a website aimed at raising funds and recruiting volunteers to support Kyiv. The site features a photo of Routh, who is wiry and wild-haired, smiling while wearing a T-shirt and jacket decorated with U.S. flags.

In February 2023, Routh posted on X, “Fight and die to stop aggression. Everyone should be outraged and helping” in reference to Ukraine.

He also described the conflict as “good versus evil” in a video that circulated online. In another tweet, he declared, “I am going to fight and die for Ukraine.”

A video captured by the AP in April 2022 shows Routh participating in a small demonstration at Kyiv’s Independence Square, two months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was holding a placard that read, “We cannot tolerate corruption and evil for another 50+ years. End Russia for our kids,” and was wearing a blue vest with the U.S. flag on the back.

On the same day, Routh visited a makeshift memorial dedicated to “Foreigners killed by Putin.” However, Oleksandr Shahuri from the Foreigners Coordination Department of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command confirmed that Routh did not serve in the Ukrainian military or work with its forces.

Shahuri informed the AP that Routh intermittently reached out to the International Legion of Ukraine with what he called “nonsensical ideas” that were described as “delusional.”

In a video, Routh expressed his frustration with Ukraine for not accepting more Afghan commandos he tried to recruit, standing in front of the U.S. Capitol. “They’re afraid that anybody and everybody is a Russian spy,” he told Semafor in 2023.

Earlier this year, Routh also tweeted at musicians Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews, proposing a “We Are the World”-style campaign for Kyiv. He wrote, “We need an emotional tribute song for Ukraine as support stalls. I have lyrics and music.”

Routh also reached out to former basketball star Dennis Rodman on Twitter, asking for assistance in lifting sanctions against North Korea to reduce tensions. Additionally, he invited a dozen protesters from Hong Kong to stay at his home in Hawaii to avoid a Chinese crackdown.

Routh spent most of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he had several run-ins with law enforcement. Notably, in 2002, he was convicted of a felony for possessing “a fully automatic machine gun.” While court records do not provide specific details, the Greensboro News & Record reported that the arrest occurred after Routh fled from a traffic stop and barricaded himself with the weapon at a roofing business, where state records identified him as the owner.

Records indicate that Routh was convicted of a felony for possession of stolen goods in 2010, in addition to various misdemeanors including carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, hit-and-run, speeding, and driving with a revoked license. In each case, the judge imposed probation or a suspended sentence, allowing him to avoid prison time.

It remains unclear how Routh managed to acquire a firearm, as most states typically prohibit individuals with felony convictions from purchasing or possessing guns.