A Florida jury has delivered a decisive verdict, finding Ryan Routh guilty of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The trial, which concluded on Tuesday, saw Routh, who represented himself, facing five serious charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.
Routh’s arrest came in September 2024 at Trump’s golf course, where a Secret Service agent testified about the tense encounter. The agent recounted spotting Routh before Trump arrived and witnessing him aim a rifle at the agent. In a split-second reaction, the agent opened fire, prompting Routh to drop his weapon and flee without discharging his firearm.
Following the reading of the verdict, an alarming scene unfolded in the courtroom. Routh reportedly attempted to harm himself with a pen, aiming for his neck, causing his daughter to cry out in distress. U.S. marshals quickly intervened, tackling him to prevent further self-harm.
This incident marks the second assassination attempt against Trump in 2024. Earlier in the year, a separate shooting at a Pennsylvania rally resulted in a bullet grazing Trump’s ear, highlighting the increasingly dangerous climate surrounding political figures.
In a statement following the verdict, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of the ruling, asserting that it underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to addressing political violence. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed her sentiments, stating that the verdict sends a “clear message” that attempts on the lives of presidential candidates threaten the very fabric of democracy and the rights of all citizens.
As the legal process moves forward, a federal district judge will determine Routh’s sentence, which could potentially amount to life in prison. During his nearly hour-long closing argument, Routh insisted that he had no intention of killing Trump, arguing that because the trigger was never pulled, and the gun was never fired, “no crime” had been committed. He described himself as inherently non-violent, claiming that his actions in the community and towards family and co-workers reflected his gentle nature.
However, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture. They detailed how Routh had spent weeks plotting the assassination, asserting that his actions leading up to the event were deliberate and premeditated. “Those aren’t coincidences… that’s a plan,” prosecutor Christopher Brown stated during his closing argument. He further highlighted the gravity of Routh’s actions, noting that Routh had a loaded round in the chamber and the safety off, which indicated clear intent.
In addition to the charges related to the assassination attempt, prosecutors alleged that Routh sought to acquire an anti-aircraft weapon with the intention of shooting down Trump’s plane, further underscoring the seriousness of his intentions.
Initially, Routh had submitted a witness list that included Trump, as well as activists Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, although the relevance of these individuals to the case remained unclear. Judge Aileen Canon ultimately rejected many of Routh’s proposed witnesses, narrowing the scope of the trial.
As the nation reflects on this troubling incident, the case serves as a stark reminder of the political tensions that can escalate into violence. The jury’s verdict not only holds Routh accountable for his actions but also reinforces the critical importance of safeguarding the democratic process and the safety of those who participate in it.
