A man has been convicted of attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last year. Ryan Routh was found guilty on all charges by a jury comprising five men and seven women after a two-hour deliberation. Following the verdict, Routh tried to harm himself by wielding a pen at his neck, prompting marshals to intervene swiftly and remove him from the courtroom. He was later brought back in, visibly altered in appearance without his jacket and tie, and restrained.
The sentencing for Routh is scheduled for December 18, where he could face life imprisonment. Routh, who had defended himself in court, faced charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm during a violent crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and having a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, prosecutors argued that Routh meticulously planned the assassination, ultimately aiming a rifle towards Trump as he played golf at his country club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024.
During his closing argument, Routh maintained his innocence, stating that he had no intention of causing harm that day. He underscored that he refrained from pulling the trigger, even when he had a clear view of Trump on the golf course and could have targeted a Secret Service agent if his intent was malicious. Routh, aged 59, chose not to testify in his defense, opting to present minimal witnesses compared to the prosecution’s extensive lineup.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the significance of the guilty verdict as a testament to the Department of Justice’s stance against political violence. The incident marked the second attempt on Trump’s life, with the prior incident occurring in Pennsylvania. Law enforcement detailed how Routh brandished his rifle at a Secret Service agent before being subdued, later fleeing the scene only to be captured nearby. Apart from federal charges, Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
The trial proceedings were marked by Routh’s decision to represent himself, a right upheld by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon following assessments of his competency. Routh’s former defense attorneys have been on standby during the trial, supporting him in his self-representation. The episode sheds light on the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of public officials against such threats.