Who is Ryan Wesley Routh? Trump golf course assassination plotter found guilty after suicide attempt

Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, has been convicted in federal court of plotting to assassinate former president Donald Trump during a golf outing in Florida last year. The unanimous verdict, delivered after fewer than three hours of jury deliberation, capped nearly two weeks of testimony and evidence in a case that prosecutors described as one of the most serious threats to a presidential candidate in modern U.S. history.

Moments after the verdict was read, chaos erupted inside the courtroom. Routh grabbed a pen and appeared to drive it toward his own neck before deputy marshals swarmed him. Spectators heard his daughter cry out in panic, pleading for someone to stop him. He was subdued, shackled, and later returned under heavier guard. Witnesses said he showed little emotion throughout the ordeal.

Routh, who had insisted on representing himself, was found guilty on five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and unlawful possession of firearms. Prosecutors said he had built a makeshift sniper’s hide near the sixth green at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach but never fired a shot. His cache included a rifle with its serial number filed off, burner phones, and multiple sets of license plates.

Federal investigators detailed how Routh spent weeks surveilling the course, conducting internet searches about Trump’s schedule, traffic cameras, hospitals, and even escape routes to Mexico. On the day of the planned attack, he sent his children affectionate farewell text messages before driving off. He was intercepted on Interstate 95 after a tipster reported his fleeing vehicle.

During the trial, FBI agents introduced reams of evidence: call records, surveillance footage, and testimony from 38 witnesses. A former Marine sniper testified for the defense, arguing the rifle would not have functioned properly. But prosecutors countered that the weapon’s reliability was beside the point—the planning and intent were undeniable.

Closing arguments crystallized the case. Prosecutors told jurors that “nobody has to be shot” for an attempted assassination to be a crime, stressing Routh’s meticulous preparations. Acting as his own lawyer, Routh claimed he never intended to carry out the attack and insisted the case was “manufactured.” The judge cut him off repeatedly as he veered into irrelevancies.

Outside the courtroom, Trump praised law enforcement on his Truth Social platform, calling Routh “an evil man with evil intentions.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said the conviction demonstrated the Justice Department’s commitment to confronting political violence head-on.

Routh now awaits sentencing before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in December, where he faces the possibility of life in prison.

FAQ

Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh is a 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during a golf game in Florida in 2024.

What was Ryan Routh accused of?
Routh was charged with five federal offenses, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and unlawful possession of firearms.

What happened in the courtroom after his guilty verdict?
After the jury delivered its verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen. He was restrained by U.S. Marshals before any serious harm occurred.

How did authorities say Routh planned the attack?
Prosecutors said Routh built a sniper’s nest near Trump’s golf course, conducted surveillance, used burner phones, and researched escape routes, including a possible flight to Mexico.

When will Ryan Routh be sentenced?
Routh is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18 by Judge Aileen Cannon and could face life in prison.

Did Donald Trump react to the verdict?
Yes. Trump congratulated law enforcement and prosecutors, calling Routh “an evil man with evil intentions.”