Suspected Trump gunman charged in first court hearing

Hello. Today I have more updates on the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, as suspect Ryan Routh is charged with federal gun crimes. We're also reporting from Indian-administered Kashmir, which is holding its first elections in a decade. Other stories are coming from central Europe, Iran and New Zealand.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Who is the suspect in apparent Trump shooting attempt?

Authorities released this photograph of Ryan Wesley Routh after his arrest. Credit: Martin County Sheriff's Office

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was charged with federal gun crimes a day after his arrest near the Trump International Golf Course in Florida. Courts documents show Routh was hiding for nearly 12 hours on the edge of the course where former president Donald Trump was playing golf.

What's the latest?

We learned the first charges against Ryan Routh during a 10-minute hearing: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number. Those charges did not include any references to trying to harm Donald Trump, though the FBI have said they are investigating Sunday's incident as an assassination attempt.

There has been speculation around his time in Ukraine. What happened?

Routh repeatedly touted his work in encouraging foreign fighters to go to Ukraine to battle against Russia. However, most of his organising appears to have happened while he was in the US, not in Ukraine, where in 2022 he was rejected by the country's International Legion due to his lack of combat experience. A member described him to the BBC as a chaotic presence who was "doing more harm than good".

What else can we learn from his social media presence?

There are also pro-Palestinian, pro-Taiwan and anti-China messages on his profile on X/Twitter, including allegations about Chinese "biological warfare" and references to the Covid-19 virus as an "attack". On an X post from 2020, Routh suggested he voted for Trump in 2016 but became disillusioned, writing: "I will be glad when you [are] gone." In the past Routh also backed candidates such as Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat who has since left the party and swung behind Trump, and also declared his support for former Republican presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley.

THE BIG PICTURE

Iranian women under surveillance

Kosar Eftekhari represents Iranians who have allegedly been shot in the eye by security forces. Credit: Getty Images

Since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody two years ago, Iranian authorities have stepped up surveillance on women protesting against the state and its mandatory hijab rule. Women tell the BBC how their online activity has been spied on, leading to arrests, threats and beatings.

And finally... in New Zealand

Those of you who have been reading us for a year might remember how the 2023 edition of New Zealand's Bird of the Year was the latest marred by controversy. This year's winner, the hoiho penguin, also has a murky past. It previously won in 2019 - the same year where allegations arose that the shy yellow-eyes bird had only won after Russian interference.