Man Convicted of Attempted Trump Assassination in Florida
A Florida jury has found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a golf course in September 2024. Prosecutors argued Routh had spent weeks plotting the attack before aiming a rifle at the former president. Shortly after the verdict was read, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen in the courtroom before being subdued by officers. He now faces a potential life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December.
Unpacked:
Prosecutors presented DNA and fingerprint evidence found on the weapon, cell phone records showing Routh’s obsession with killing Trump, and proof of 17 occasions when Routh conducted surveillance and reconnaissance of the golf club.
Routh did not fire his weapon; he was seen aiming a rifle at a Secret Service agent while hiding in shrubbery, but dropped the weapon and fled after being fired upon by the agent. No injuries occurred during the incident.
After being found guilty, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen, likely as a response to the verdict and facing a potential life sentence. He was quickly subdued by officers.
Routh allegedly communicated with an individual known as 'Ramiro' about fleeing to Mexico after the attempt. He also sought military weapons and discussed smuggling activities with others, but his direct involvement with accomplices remains under investigation.