Ryan Wesley Routh was found guilty Tuesday of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in September 2024 on a Florida golf course.
After the guilty verdict was announced, Routh tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen. Routh was restrained and rushed out of the courtroom before returning in cuffs. No blood or injuries were visible.
“Today’s guilty verdict against would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence,” said Pam Bondi, U.S. attorney general.
Routh pleaded not guilty to all charges; he faces life in prison. Routh, 59, served as his own attorney and argued he was innocent because he never discharged the firearm.
“To merely have a weapon in the presence of another does not mean intent,” said Routh.
After U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon scolded Routh for straying from the trial in his monologue, Routh asked to reinstate his lawyers for the closing arguments. Cannon said no.
Trump applauded the verdict on Truth Social, calling it “a very big moment for justice in America.” Trump went on to praise the Routh trial.
“The trial was meticulously handled, and I would like to thank the judge and jury for their time, professionalism and patience. This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him,” he said.
Routh was found hiding near hole five in some bushes of the Trump International Golf Club when Secret Service agents found and detained him.
Trump attended conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service just two days before the verdict. He called Kirk’s death another act of political violence.
Author: Hannah Clove
Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
Editor: Heather Turner
news@suunews.net
