Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former presidential candidate Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf club, was found guilty of all charges today. According to reports, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen moments after the verdict was announced, prompting U.S. Marshals to restrain him. The court did not allow video recordings during the proceedings.
Routh, 59, faced five federal criminal counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses. Prosecutors emphasized digital and forensic evidence, highlighting his alleged 17 reconnaissance trips to Trump’s golf course and extensive surveillance prior to the September 15, 2024 incident. They argued that Routh’s actions demonstrated clear intent to kill Trump.
During closing arguments, prosecutors stated there was no doubt about Routh’s guilt, citing his alleged 10-hour presence in a sniper’s nest starting at 4 a.m. The FBI revealed it had been monitoring Routh since 2019, though the timing of this disclosure has raised questions.
Routh’s daughter, Sara Routh, reportedly protested the verdict, calling it “rigged” and accusing authorities of misconduct. Jurors deliberated for several hours before delivering the guilty verdict following a nearly three-week trial. The case underscores concerns about the FBI’s ability to prevent potential threats, with critics questioning why Routh was not stopped earlier despite being under surveillance.