(DCNF)—Would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh tried — and seemingly failed — to get the Biden State Department to aid in his effort to recruit foreign soldiers for the war in Ukraine, emails obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation show
The records, which were released as a result of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the Center to Advance Security in America (CASA), raise questions about who was aware of Routh’s activities and whether there was any formal attempt to follow up with him.
Routh was convicted for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024, just two months after a gunman’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally.
Despite the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiating an effort in 2022 designed to identify Americans who might turn violent after returning from the war in Ukraine, Routh seemingly was not investigated, Politico reported in September 2024.
Routh self-published a book in 2023 on “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” which included a line that seemed to tell Iran it was “free to assassinate Trump.” He was also interviewed in a March 2023 New York Times article about Americans who traveled to Ukraine to volunteer with the war effort.
Another American who met Routh in Ukraine warned U.S. authorities about his threats of violence, informing a Customs and Border Protection official in June 2022 that he was a “ticking time bomb,” the Wall Street Journal reported in September 2024.
“Through aggressive FOIA litigation, CASA has uncovered Ryan Routh’s attempts to communicate with the Biden State Department,” CASA Director James Fitzpatrick told the DCNF.
“Several unanswered questions remain regarding these communications,” Fitzpatrick said. “We still don’t know whether the Biden administration responded in any substantive way to Routh and the contents of those communications – the American people deserve answers here and CASA will continue to fight through this litigation to shed as much light on Routh’s officials communications as possible.”
The State Department and DHS did not respond to requests for comment.
Routh State Dept. Records by Katelynn Richardson
Ukrainian military units denied any ties to Routh after he was arrested for attempting to assassinate Trump.
In one March 23, 2023 email, Routh claimed his team was “already supplying background checks from the US military through Representative Barry Moore of Alabama,” stating there were “5600 soldiers ready to be transported from Pakistan to a neighboring country of Ukraine and bussed into Ukraine to the front lines to fight.” Moore’s office said they never provided this assistance to Routh.
“A staffer in our D.C. office took a meeting with Routh after he visited without an appointment and asked to speak with someone,” Rep. Moore’s communications director Benjamin Martin told the DCNF. “The staffer determined our office should have no further contact with Routh and referred him to the State Department for any potential assistance. Congressman Moore has never interacted with Routh, and our office did not respond to any further outreach.”
Routh indicated in a separate email to then-Ambassador Bridget Brink and Defense Attaché Garrick Harmon on Oct. 29, 2023 that one of his associates spoke with a member of the U.S. Embassy staff.
“Your staff has spoken with [redacted] at great length and most recently had a meeting where he was asked to provide the execution details of the project as well as accounting of how funds would be allocated and spent and he failed to submit those documents to you,” Routh wrote. “I can be back in Ukraine at a moment’s notice and arrange what you need. Because [redacted] did not fulfill his obligation he is ashamed to give me any contact information since he dropped the ball.”
Both emails received an auto reply. Records released to CASA do not indicate whether any official followed up with Routh directly.
Routh’s sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. During his trial, Routh represented himself and was interrupted numerous times by the judge for veering off-topic.
Routh has requested to be imprisoned in a state with assisted suicide. In court filings, he also suggested that he could be traded in a prisoner swap.
“Do not let me take my own life and it have zero benefit for humanity or mankind,” he wrote in an Oct. 29 filing.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.