Ryan Routh, a 59-year-old man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, made an alleged attempt to purchase military-grade weaponry, including a rocket launcher and an anti-aircraft missile, from an individual he believed to be a Ukrainian arms dealer, according to court filings from the Department of Justice.

Routh's actions stem from his extensive surveillance of Trump’s activities in Palm Beach, Florida, in the lead-up to an alleged assassination attempt on September 15, 2022.

The filing asserts that Routh tried to acquire anti-aircraft weapons in August 2022 and communicated his intention to prevent Trump's election by stating, "I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected," and requested specific military equipment including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and a Stinger missile, asserting, "[Trump] is not good for Ukraine."

The details presented in the filing outline Routh's premeditated steps toward committing an attack on Trump, who was then running for the presidency as the Republican candidate.

Routh is accused of spending over 12 hours on the Trump International Golf Club property, armed with an illegally owned semi-automatic rifle, before being confronted by members of Trump's Secret Service protection team after his rifle was spotted.

He fled the scene prior to being apprehended by law enforcement.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to five charges, which include the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate.

The charge carries severe penalties, with the possibility of life imprisonment if he is convicted.

Prosecutors highlighted that Routh's actions, including setting up a 'sniper hide' on the golf course, signify significant intent to carry out the alleged assassination plot.

In addition to attempting to buy the explosive devices, Routh sought to acquire a .50-caliber rifle and ammunition, though these efforts were unsuccessful.

Court documents indicate that he conducted searches across gun stores in different states, including Hawaii, as part of his attempt to procure weaponry.

Routh also communicated with an individual in Mexico via WhatsApp to discuss plans related to his escape following the purported attack, indicating further premeditation and coordination.

The filing offers new insights into the case ahead of Routh's trial, which is slated to begin on September 8 this year.

The context of this incident draws parallels to another attack on Trump that occurred earlier in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by public figures amid a politically charged environment.