OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
12:10 PM – Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Ryan Wesley Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course last year, has been found guilty on all five federal charges — including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assault of a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.
The jury deliberated for just two hours, reflecting the prosecution’s meticulous preparation and overwhelming body of evidence.
In terms of deterrence, the ruling is a significant victory, making it clear that any illegal act connected to an assassination attempt — especially against a U.S. president — will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, sending a strong warning to potential imitators.
After the guilty verdict was read, Routh reportedly attempted to “stab” himself in court with a pen, prompting U.S. Marshals to intervene due to apparent suicidal behavior.
The Crime
On September 15th, 2024, Routh, 59, was spotted hiding in shrubbery close by to President Donald Trump’s golf course, aiming a firearm directly at the GOP president and his security detail. However, a Secret Service agent noticed the gun and immediately fired at Routh, who quickly fled the scene but was later apprehended in Martin County. It is unclear how Routh knew where Trump would be at the time.
Trial
Routh represented himself during the trial, which began on September 8th this year in Fort Pierce, Florida. He called only three witnesses and did not testify. The prosecution presented extensive evidence, including surveillance footage and testimony from at least 38 witnesses, to establish Routh’s clear intent and planning.
What Happens Next
He now faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Following his conviction on all five federal charges, Routh awaits his sentencing hearing. In addition to the maximum penalty being a life sentence, his other specific charges carry the following potential sentences:
- Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate: Maximum life imprisonment
- Assaulting a federal officer: Up to 20 years in prison
- Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime: Up to life imprisonment
- Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition: Up to 15 years in prison
- Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number: Up to 5 years in prison
Routh also continues to face separate state charges in Florida. These charges include attempted felony murder and terrorism, stemming from a traffic incident that occurred while he was fleeing the scene of the assassination attempt. During the pursuit, law enforcement were forced to block roads, leading to a crash that resulted in the serious injury of a 6-year-old girl.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced on December 18, 2024, that Routh was charged with attempted felony murder due to the young girl’s injuries and terrorism since his actions constituted domestic terrorism.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. ET, according to AP News.
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