FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year, was found guilty on all counts on Tuesday. Following the verdict, Routh abruptly tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom where officers quickly intervened and removed him from the premises.
The jury, composed of five men and seven women, took only two hours to deliberate before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict against Routh, who had faced charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate. After the jury exited, Routh's daughter, Sara Routh, could be heard crying out, “Dad I love you don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.” She described the case against him as rigged and awaited his transport to prison outside the courthouse.
Routh, 59, had been charged with several serious offenses, including possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer. In court, he maintained his innocence, arguing that he never intended to harm anyone and criticising the prosecution’s narrative.
During the incident on September 15, 2024, Routh aimed a rifle at Trump, who was playing golf, but fled when a Secret Service agent fired warning shots. Routh was arrested shortly after, following a witness account and a police helicopter search. The evidence against him was substantial, and prosecutors highlighted the need for accountability in cases of political violence.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the verdict, stating it demonstrated a commitment to justice and the seriousness of threats against public officials.
Routh’s past includes a record of erratic behavior and arrests, contributing to the prosecution's depiction of him as a threat. His defense was significantly outmatched, with the prosecution calling numerous witnesses over several days compared to Routh’s brief case, which included minimal testimony.
The courtroom incident following the verdict underscores the intense emotions surrounding this high-profile case, reflecting the societal pressures and risks associated with political discourse in the current climate.
The jury, composed of five men and seven women, took only two hours to deliberate before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict against Routh, who had faced charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate. After the jury exited, Routh's daughter, Sara Routh, could be heard crying out, “Dad I love you don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.” She described the case against him as rigged and awaited his transport to prison outside the courthouse.
Routh, 59, had been charged with several serious offenses, including possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer. In court, he maintained his innocence, arguing that he never intended to harm anyone and criticising the prosecution’s narrative.
During the incident on September 15, 2024, Routh aimed a rifle at Trump, who was playing golf, but fled when a Secret Service agent fired warning shots. Routh was arrested shortly after, following a witness account and a police helicopter search. The evidence against him was substantial, and prosecutors highlighted the need for accountability in cases of political violence.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the verdict, stating it demonstrated a commitment to justice and the seriousness of threats against public officials.
Routh’s past includes a record of erratic behavior and arrests, contributing to the prosecution's depiction of him as a threat. His defense was significantly outmatched, with the prosecution calling numerous witnesses over several days compared to Routh’s brief case, which included minimal testimony.
The courtroom incident following the verdict underscores the intense emotions surrounding this high-profile case, reflecting the societal pressures and risks associated with political discourse in the current climate.
