The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump on September 15, 2024. Routh was charged with five federal criminal counts. After a nearly three-week trial, the jury found Routh guilty on all charges after two hours and twenty minutes of deliberation.
Routh, 59, was arrested by Secret Service agents after he was seen hiding in the shrubs of President Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course and pointing a semiautomatic rifle in Trump’s direction as he was playing golf. Routh was a resident of Hawaii and was accused of meticulous planning before the attempted assassination.
During the trial, prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including testimony from 38 witnesses who described Routh’s actions both during and leading up to the day of his arrest. Prosecutors sought to establish Routh’s intention to kill President Trump by pointing out the multiple reconnaissance trips he allegedly took to the golf course and his extensive tracking of Trump’s movements and campaign schedule.
Routh represented himself during the trial. After the reading of the verdict, Routh reportedly attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen but was prevented from doing so by U.S. Marshals. Routh called only three witnesses and argued that the prosecution had failed to establish his intent to kill President Trump. Part of the evidence used by the prosecution to prove intent was a note left by Routh, which stated, “Dear World, this was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I am so sorry I failed you.” The note continued by offering $150,000 to anyone who could “complete the job.”
As a result of the verdict, Routh could face a maximum penalty of life in prison. His convictions include attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the guilty verdict, citing it as an example of the administration’s commitment to countering politically motivated violence.
“Today’s guilty verdict against would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence,” Bondi said. “This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself. I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Jason Quiñones, his entire trial team, and our law enforcement partners for protecting President Trump and securing this important verdict.”
