Jury Convicts Man in Trump Assassination Attempt
In Fort Pierce, Florida, a jury reached a swift verdict, finding Ryan Routh guilty of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on a Florida golf course last year. The decision came after a two-week trial, with jurors deliberating for just two hours. The plot was thwarted when a Secret Service agent noticed Routh and fired a warning shot, prompting his escape attempt.
Following the guilty verdict, chaos erupted as Routh attempted to harm himself with a pen, leading officers to promptly remove him from the courtroom. His daughter, Sara Routh, expressed her support as she was escorted out. The pen, designed to prevent harm, did not cause any injury, according to an anonymous source familiar with the case.
Routh, now shackled and in custody, awaits sentencing on December 18, with the prospect of life imprisonment. His defense team chose not to comment after the trial’s conclusion.
Donald Trump, speaking in New York, remarked on the case, stating, “It’s very important. You can’t let things like that happen. Nothing to do with me, but a president — or even a person, you can’t allow that to happen.”
The Plot and Trial
Prosecutors detailed how Routh, 59, meticulously planned the assassination attempt, targeting Trump as he played golf at his West Palm Beach country club on September 15, 2024. Just weeks earlier, Trump had narrowly escaped another assassination attempt while campaigning in Pennsylvania.
During the trial, Secret Service agent Robert Fercano testified that he observed Routh before Trump appeared. As Routh aimed his rifle, Fercano fired, causing Routh to flee without firing a shot. A witness corroborated the events, leading to Routh’s arrest on a nearby interstate.
Routh faced multiple charges, including attempted assassination, firearm possession related to a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer. In his defense, Routh argued that he never intended to harm anyone, stating, “It’s hard for me to believe that a crime occurred if the trigger was never pulled.”
Self-Representation in Court
Routh chose to represent himself, a decision approved by Judge Aileen Cannon after confirming his competency. Throughout the trial, he exercised his right to remain silent and called only three witnesses. Meanwhile, the prosecution presented evidence from 38 witnesses over seven days.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the significance of the verdict, emphasizing that it underscores the Department of Justice’s dedication to addressing political violence.
Background on Routh
Routh, originally from North Carolina, had relocated to Hawaii and was known for discussing his plans to engage in global conflicts. He previously attempted to recruit fighters for Russia’s war in Ukraine and had prior arrests related to firearms and explosives. Despite past convictions, he received either probation or suspended sentences.
In addition to the federal conviction, Routh faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder related to the assassination plot.
