A Florida jury has found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
In a dramatic conclusion to a high-stakes two-week trial, a Florida jury has found Ryan Wesley Routh guilty on all counts for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
The verdict, delivered today, brings an end to a case that has captivated the nation and highlighted the volatile climate of political violence.
The jury, composed of five men and seven women, deliberated for less than three hours before returning a unanimous guilty verdict on all five federal charges, including the most serious count of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate.
The Incident and the Evidence
The conviction stems from a harrowing incident on September 15, 2024, when Routh was spotted with a rifle near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was playing golf.
Prosecutors presented a compelling case, arguing that Routh had spent weeks meticulously planning to kill the then-presidential candidate. The evidence included:
- Surveillance: Prosecutors said Routh had made at least 17 trips to scout out Trump’s golf course and used multiple burner phones to track his movements.
- Forensic Evidence: DNA and fingerprints linking Routh to the weapon, a Chinese-made variant of the AK-47, were recovered from the scene.
- A Confession Letter: Routh had reportedly left a 12-page letter with his brothers, apologizing for his failure and urging them to “finish the job.”
While Routh, who represented himself, argued that “a crime [couldn’t have] occurred if the trigger was never pulled,” prosecutors successfully convinced the jury that Routh’s clear intent, combined with his actions, constituted a deadly plot.
The prosecution credited a quick-thinking Secret Service agent who spotted Routh before he could fire, and a civilian witness who took down Routh’s license plate number as he fled, leading to his capture.
A Shocking End to the Trial
The courtroom erupted in chaos immediately after the verdict was read. Routh reportedly attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen before being quickly restrained by U.S. Marshals. His daughter, who was in the courtroom, was heard screaming, “He didn’t hurt anybody! I’ll get you out!”
Following the dramatic scene, Routh was shackled and returned to the courtroom. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18 and faces a potential sentence of life in prison.
Reactions from the Political World
The verdict was celebrated by political leaders, including President Trump, who took to his social media platform to thank the Department of Justice, the judge, and the jury. “This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him,” Trump wrote. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also praised the conviction, stating that it “illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence.”
The trial of Ryan Routh comes just months after a separate assassination attempt on Trump and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The verdict is seen as a strong statement against political violence and a victory for law enforcement in a time of heightened political tension.
