Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump in September 2024, has been found guilty on all charges. The dramatic trial ended in chaos when Routh stabbed himself in the neck with a pen on Tuesday immediately after the verdict was read.
Routh was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, last year after Secret Service agents spotted him hiding in bushes near Trump International Golf Club. Authorities recovered a Chinese-made SKS rifle and a camera at the scene.
Special Agent Robert Fercano testified that he saw the rifle barrel tracking Trump’s movements, describing the incident as a “textbook ambush scenario.” Fercano fired at the barrel and later confronted Routh, saying during trial testimony:
“I saw you in the bushes… you smiled at me.”
Witnesses also reported seeing Routh flee and provided law enforcement with a photo of the vehicle he used.
Charges and Trial
During his federal trial, Routh represented himself and was convicted of:
Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate
Felony possession of a firearm and ammunition
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Assaulting a federal officer
He now faces life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for December 18th.
Family’s Emotional Reaction
The courtroom turned emotional as Routh’s daughter, Sarah Ellen Routh, was seen crying and screaming before storming out of the building. His son also left shortly after the guilty verdict was announced.
Routh’s self-inflicted injury is under investigation, and court officials confirmed he survived the stabbing attempt.
