Ryan Routh, guilty of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, tried stabbing himself in court. Full details on the trial, verdict, and sentencing.
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Would-be Trump Assassin Tries to Stab Himself After Guilty Verdict
Fort Pierce, Florida — Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former and future President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last year, has been found guilty on all charges. Moments after the jury delivered its verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen but was stopped by courtroom marshals.
The Shocking Courtroom Scene
Eyewitnesses said Routh showed “no emotion” as the guilty verdict was read. Suddenly, his daughter screamed: “Oh my God, he’s trying to kill himself!” as marshals tackled him. Courtroom sketches captured the intense moment, showing Routh being dragged out and later returned in shackles.
One witness confirmed that while Routh lunged at himself, “no one saw blood.” His daughter, Sarah, shouted, “I love you and we will get you out, don’t worry,” before being escorted out of the courtroom.
The Charges and Trial
Routh faced five federal charges, including:
- Attempted assassination of a presidential candidate
- Assaulting a federal officer
- Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon
- Illegal possession of a firearm with its serial number removed
Prosecutors argued Routh built a “sniper’s nest” near the 6th green of Trump International Golf Club, but never fired a shot. FBI evidence revealed surveillance, burner phones, and internet searches tied to Trump’s movements, suggesting meticulous planning.
After hearing nearly two weeks of testimony, the jury reached its decision in under three hours. Routh now awaits sentencing from Judge Aileen Cannon on December 18, where he could face life behind bars.
Trump Reacts to the Verdict
Donald Trump congratulated law enforcement on Truth Social, writing:
“Congratulations to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the entire DOJ team on the conviction… This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him.”
Evidence Against Routh
The trial included testimony from 38 government witnesses, including FBI agents and eyewitnesses. Cellphone data showed Routh near Trump’s golf course for weeks, sometimes for over 16 hours at a stretch.
Investigators also uncovered a potential getaway plan, including multiple aliases, fake license plates, and searches for “flights to Mexico.” On the day of the alleged attack, Routh texted his children with emotional goodbye messages before being arrested on Interstate 95.
Routh’s Defense and Closing Arguments
Representing himself, Routh argued he never intended to kill Trump, claiming, “If the attempted assassination was not taken, it is not an attempt.”
The prosecution countered: “Nobody has to be shot for this crime to be real.” They highlighted Routh’s obsessive stalking of Trump and preparation for violence.
Even during closing arguments, Judge Cannon had to interrupt Routh multiple times as he veered off-topic, underscoring the chaotic nature of his self-defense.
What’s Next?
With his conviction secured, Routh now awaits sentencing. If handed the maximum penalty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who is Ryan Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh is a 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during a golf outing in Florida.
Q2. What charges did Routh face?
He faced five charges, including attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and illegal possession of firearms.
Q3. Did Ryan Routh actually fire at Trump?
No. Authorities said he never fired a shot, but his preparations and intent were enough for conviction.
Q4. When will Ryan Routh be sentenced?
His sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025, and he faces life imprisonment.
Q5. How did Donald Trump react?
Trump praised law enforcement and prosecutors, calling Routh “an evil man with evil intention.”
🏁 Conclusion
The guilty verdict against Ryan Routh underscores the seriousness of political violence and the federal government’s zero-tolerance approach to assassination attempts. While Trump emerged unscathed, the chilling courtroom scene and overwhelming evidence show how close this plot came to tragedy.
Routh now faces life in prison, marking one of the most high-profile political assassination attempt cases in recent U.S. history.