Ryan Routh Convicted of Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

A Florida jury has convicted Ryan Routh, 59, on all counts related to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024. The charges include attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Routh had meticulously planned the attack, spending weeks surveilling Trump's movements and creating a concealed position near the sixth hole of the golf course. On the day of the incident, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh aiming a rifle through the shrubbery. The agent fired at Routh, who fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

During the trial, Routh represented himself and pleaded not guilty. He argued that the assassination was "never going to happen" and claimed there was no intent to harm Trump. However, the jury deliberated for less than three hours before delivering the guilty verdict.

Following the verdict, Routh attempted to harm himself in the courtroom but was restrained by authorities. He now faces the possibility of life imprisonment.