Ryan Routh, the 59-year-old man who was convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, made a shocking move during his court session. After being found guilty on all charges, Routh attempted to take his own life by trying to stab himself in the neck with a pen. Marshals quickly intervened and prevented the suicide attempt, though Routh was visibly unscathed. He was then escorted out of the courtroom and returned later in shackles.
The charges against Routh included attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, possession of a firearm as a felon, and having a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Prosecutors presented evidence that Routh had created a sniper’s nest near Trump’s Florida golf club, Trump International Golf Club, though he never fired at the former president.
The trial revealed extensive evidence of Routh’s obsession with Trump, including cell phone records showing that he had been near the golf course for weeks and had been tracking Trump’s rallies. Routh had also made meticulous plans for a getaway, including multiple aliases, license plates, and even Googled directions to Miami and flights to Mexico. His actions and plans were outlined by multiple witnesses, including FBI agents, who showed that Routh had been preparing for the assassination attempt long before it took place.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Routh claimed during his defense that the assassination attempt was never going to happen, arguing that without a completed act, it should not be considered an attempt. However, prosecutors emphasized that the law does not require the crime to be completed for a conviction, and intent is enough to prove an attempted assassination.
Routh’s daughter, Sarah, voiced her frustration with the trial, claiming it was “rigged” and “bullsh*t.” The verdict, which came after deliberations lasting just under three hours, will be followed by a sentencing hearing on December 18. Routh faces the possibility of life imprisonment for his actions.
This case has drawn attention not only for the crime itself but for the dramatic courtroom moment when Routh attempted to end his life in the middle of the trial.
