A federal jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, has convicted Ryan Routh, 59, of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during a golf outing at ,[object Object], in West Palm Beach in September 2024. Routh was found guilty on all five charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple weapons offenses. After the verdict was announced, Routh tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen in the courtroom but was quickly restrained by ,[object Object],. No serious injury was reported, and he was returned to the hearing in handcuffs.

The dramatic incident unfolded when a ,[object Object], agent noticed the barrel of a rifle protruding from the shrubbery near the course’s perimeter fence while President Trump played golf. The agent fired on Routh, who immediately fled the scene but was arrested by the ,Secret Service, shortly afterward. Routh had carried a semiautomatic rifle with a scope and extended magazine, and investigators later found a list he had made of Trump’s expected locations and a note indicating his clear intent to assassinate the President. Prosecutors revealed that Routh had planned the attempt meticulously over several months, highlighting the attack as both a personal and political threat.

Throughout the 12-day trial, Routh represented himself, foregoing a lawyer in both his defense and opening statement. His behavior in the courtroom ranged from erratic statements to challenging the President to a golf rematch. The presiding judge was forced to cut him off multiple times during opening and closing arguments, and Routh declined to testify in his own defense, instead calling just three witnesses—two friends and a firearms expert. The government, on the other hand, presented 38 witnesses over seven days to demonstrate Routh’s intent and preparation for the assassination attempt, as well as to refute his claims that he was not violent and did not really intend harm.

Statements from top U.S. officials, including ,[object Object], and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, strongly condemned the attack, declaring it “not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself”. President Trump, responding on social media, thanked law enforcement and emphasized the seriousness of the threat. Routh now faces a potential life sentence, with formal sentencing set for December 18.