Who Is Ryan Routh? Inside the Trial, Charges, and Verdict of Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect
The case of Ryan Wesley Routh has gripped the nation, drawing worldwide attention to one of the most serious threats against a former U.S. president in modern history. The Trump assassination attempt in Florida not only shocked political circles but also sparked heated debate about political violence in America. From the dramatic courtroom scenes to the final Ryan Routh verdict, here is everything you need to know.
Who Is Ryan Routh?
For many, the first question was simple: who is Ryan Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh, born in 1966 in North Carolina, is the man accused and convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in September 2024. Routh lived in several states, including Hawaii, and often portrayed himself as politically active. Public records show that he was once registered as a Democrat before becoming unaffiliated.
Personal details about Routh reveal that he is a father of three. His background, however, took a dark turn when investigators linked him to an elaborate plot targeting Trump.
The Florida Trump Assassination Attempt
On September 15, 2024, during a golf outing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Routh was discovered hiding in shrubs near the course. Armed with a semi-automatic SKS rifle, he positioned himself within range of Trump. A Secret Service agent noticed the weapon protruding through a fence and fired at him.
Routh fled the scene and was later arrested while driving on Interstate 95. Authorities recovered the rifle, backpacks, burner phones, and a 12-page letter in which he confessed and even tried to recruit another person to carry out the act.
Ryan Routh Charges
Routh faced five major federal counts, which prosecutors outlined during the Ryan Routh trial:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate | Targeting Donald Trump with a firearm |
| Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence | Carrying the SKS rifle during the act |
| Assaulting a federal officer | Pointing the weapon while being confronted |
| Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon | Due to previous criminal history |
| Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number | Altered markings on the weapon |
In December 2024, an additional state charge of attempted felony murder was added after a car crash during his flight injured a child.
Inside the Routh Trial
The Routh trial became one of the most closely followed legal proceedings of 2025. Judge Aileen Cannon presided over the courtroom, where Ryan Routh controversially chose to represent himself.
Key Moments in Court:
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Routh made unusual suggestions, including settling the case with a golf match.
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He claimed he never intended to kill Trump, emphasizing that he never fired the weapon.
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He called three character witnesses but avoided testifying himself.
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The prosecution countered with 38 witnesses, including Secret Service agents and forensic experts.
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Evidence presented included surveillance footage, digital communications, and forensic analysis tying him directly to the crime.
The jury requested to review the rifle and ammunition before reaching a decision, showing the weight of the evidence.
The Ryan Routh Verdict
On September 23, 2025, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all five federal counts. The Routh verdict was delivered after just two and a half hours of deliberation.
In a shocking twist, as the Ryan Routh verdict was read, he attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen. U.S. marshals quickly restrained him, while his daughter cried out in his defense.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the conviction, describing the assassination attempt as “an affront to our very nation.”
Donald Trump, speaking from the United Nations on the same day, applauded the ruling and thanked law enforcement.
Sentencing and What Comes Next
Routh now awaits sentencing scheduled for December 18, 2025. Legal experts believe he faces the possibility of life in prison due to the severity of the charges.
The Ryan Routh trial has been seen as a turning point in addressing political violence in the United States. Despite no shots being fired, prosecutors argued that his deliberate planning, reconnaissance, and preparation proved intent.
Broader Impact of the Case
The conviction of the man many now refer to as a “Trump assassin” underscores heightened concerns about threats against political figures. The Ryan Routh verdict is not just about one man—it is a reflection of a climate where political violence is on the rise.
The case has also drawn attention to courtroom procedure, with critics questioning whether Routh should have been allowed to represent himself given his erratic behavior.
