A man convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen moments after hearing his guilty verdict in a Florida courtroom.
Ryan Wesley Routh, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was found guilty on five counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He now faces life imprisonment.
As the verdict was read at the Fort Pierce federal courthouse, Routh grabbed a pen and appeared to attempt to harm himself. His daughter screamed for him to stop as US Marshals and bailiffs restrained him. He was quickly escorted from the courtroom and returned shortly afterwards in handcuffs. He showed no signs of injury and his white shirt was unmarked. His son called out words of support, to which Routh appeared to wink before being led away.
The charges stem from an incident on 15 September 2024, when Routh was accused of hiding in bushes near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach as Trump, then the Republican presidential candidate, played on the course. A Secret Service agent spotted him near the fence line and opened fire. Routh fled in a vehicle and was later arrested on Interstate 95 in Martin County.
Jurors deliberated for two hours before reaching their decision. Throughout the trial Routh often acted erratically, smiling and laughing during appearances. Judge Aileen Cannon presided over the proceedings, which ended with Routh’s conviction and his family’s emotional outbursts in the courtroom.
