Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, recently pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive device following an arrest in April 2002 in North Carolina. The Guilford County records indicate that Routh was found in possession of an explosive device containing a 10-inch detonation cord and a blasting cap. The circumstances that led to Routh's arrest at that time remain unclear.
This incident is distinct from another arrest in December 2002 when Routh evaded a traffic stop and barricaded himself inside his office. Routh's criminal record is extensive, with charges ranging from burglary, larceny, arson, to multiple charges of driving without a license.