Ryan Routh Found Guilty: Trump Assassination Attempt Trial Ends in Shocking Courtroom Incident

Ryan Routh, convicted for the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, faces life in prison. Read the latest updates, trial details, and aftermath of this headline-making case.

Verdict Reached: Ryan Routh Convicted

Ryan Routh, a 59-year-old resident of Hawaii, was found guilty by a Florida federal jury on September 23, 2025, for the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club during the 2024 presidential campaign. Prosecutors presented a compelling case showing Routh’s meticulous planning: he purchased a military-grade sniper rifle, made more than 17 reconnaissance trips to the golf course, and conducted 90 hours of surveillance in preparation for his attack.

How the Incident Unfolded

Routh was discovered by a Secret Service agent just meters away from President Trump, concealed in shrubbery with a loaded SKS-style rifle. The agent fired on Routh, who subsequently fled the scene but was apprehended on Interstate 95 with critical evidence linking him to the plan. Despite Routh’s courtroom claim that he never intended to shoot, prosecutors countered with evidence of Google searches, burner phones, and surveillance records that indicated deliberate, premeditated intent.

Courtroom Shock: Self-Harm Attempt

After the jury announced the guilty verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a security pen in Judge Aileen Cannon’s courtroom, causing a rapid response from U.S. Marshals. His daughter, Sara, cried out “Dad, I love you—don’t do anything,” before being escorted out, while Routh’s son also shouted their support. The courtroom incident highlighted the psychological toll of the high-pressure trial on both Routh and his family.

Sentencing and Legal Fallout

Ryan Routh now awaits sentencing on December 18, 2025, facing life imprisonment for multiple federal charges, including attempted murder of a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer. The prosecution emphasized that the case was not just about harm averted but intentions proven, arguing that Routh was “one bullet away” from forever changing American history.

Reactions from Trump and the Public

President Trump praised law enforcement and the Department of Justice for their swift action and detailed investigation following the verdict. The trial gripped the U.S., sparking debates about political violence, candidate security, and mental health issues tied to high-profile cases.