A man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course attempted to harm himself with a pen after being convicted. Ryan Routh, aged 59, conducted multiple trips to survey Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course before hiding in bushes with a rifle as Trump’s group neared. Legal charges against him included attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of a firearm for a violent crime, and assault of a Secret Service agent. On September 15 last year, following a swift deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts, potentially leading Routh to face life imprisonment.
Upon hearing the verdict, Routh allegedly tried to self-harm with a pen, but was prevented by four US Marshals who restrained him. His daughter, Sara Routh, reacted emotionally during the jury’s presence, expressing discontent with the outcome. Routh was then escorted out of the room in restraints. During sentencing, prosecutors detailed Routh’s meticulous planning for the assassination plot, which involved acquiring a military-grade weapon, studying Trump’s movements, and using multiple untraceable phones.
The incident targeting Trump occurred just nine weeks after the President was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by Thomas Crooks, who was subsequently neutralized by Secret Service counter-snipers. Following Routh’s guilty verdict, Attorney General Pamela Bondi commended the justice system’s response to political violence, emphasizing the protection of the President and the nation’s integrity.
Despite lacking legal expertise, Routh chose to represent himself in court, delivering a disjointed defense that included unconventional proposals such as settling the case through a golf match with Trump. His erratic behavior and unrelated statements led to multiple warnings from Judge Aileen Cannon. Routh’s unconventional questioning during jury selection, which included irrelevant topics, was also met with judicial disapproval.