Chilling note allegedly left by man charged with attempted Donald Trump shooting

A handwritten note has been uncovered allegedly penned by a man who planned to shoot Donald Trump claiming he wanted him dead.

IN THE US

The man who allegedly planned to shoot Donald Trump on a golf course left a chilling note saying he intended to kill the former US president.

The hand written note was left months before the foiled shooting earlier on September 15 at Mr Trump’s West Palm Beach course in Florida.

It was pushed into the mailbox of an unnamed person addressed “Dear World,” said the Federal Justice Department.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the Israeli-American Council National Summit in Washington, DC, on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

‘Finish the job’

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, is facing two federal gun charges and could be hit with more charges after an expected Monday court hearing.

Investigators said the note was only discovered in the wake of Mr Routh’s arrest.

“This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry failed you,” the letter read.

“I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”

The note which said it was an “assassination attempt”.

The box also contained “ammunition, a metal pipe, miscellaneous building materials, tools, four phones” and multiple other letters, according to reports.

It’s not clear what the note was referring too. Whether it was a letter written months before the September plot with an expectation it would fail. Or potentially more concerning if Mr Routh had previously tried to kill Mr Trump.

Ryan Wesley Routh speaking during an interview at a rally to urge foreign leaders and international organisations to help provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine in April, 2022. (Photo by AFPTV / AFP)

The letter also included criticisms of Mr Trump’s policies.

“He [the former President] ended relations with Iran like a child and now the Middle East has unravelled.”

The letter also had criticism of the Chinese and Russia governments.

Originally published as Chilling note allegedly left by man charged with attempted Donald Trump shooting