Gunman Who Tried to Shoot Donald Trump on a Florida Golf Course Is Found Guilty—and Then Stabs Himself in the Neck with a Pen in Courtroom Chaos
Ryan Routh, 59, was spotted by a Secret Service agent patrolling the course ahead of Trump, hiding with a semi-automatic rifle as Trump played golf in West Palm Beach. The agent opened fire, and Routh fled, not firing a shot. Two months earlier, Trump had survived another assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A Florida jury later convicted Routh on five counts, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assaulting a Secret Service agent. In a shocking courtroom moment after the verdict, Routh stabbed himself in the neck with a pen.
In This Article:
On the Green, a Carefully Crafted, Deadly Threat Is Unfolded
At the start of the trial, prosecutor John Shipley said the plot was 'carefully crafted and deadly serious,' arguing that, without the intervening agent, 'Donald Trump would not be alive.' The court heard Routh was on September 15, 2024, lurking with a gun on Trump's Florida golf course—armed with an SKS‑style rifle hidden in shrubbery—though he argued the weapon was never pointed at the president. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, who fled the scene. He was stopped roughly 45 minutes later while driving north on Interstate 95. Federal prosecutors rested after seven days and 38 witnesses; Routh elected to defend himself, calling just three witnesses to testify.
Verdict Day: Five Counts Confirm the Threat—and a Shocking Courtroom Moment
Routh pleaded not guilty to all five charges and faced the prospect of life in prison. The jury found him guilty on all counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and assaulting a Secret Service agent. In closing, Routh claimed there was no intent to kill and that the rifle was never raised. Moments after the verdict was announced, he stabbed himself in the neck with a pen, creating a chilling scene in the courtroom.
Aftermath and Meaning: Justice, Security, and the Risk of Political Violence
Trump praised District Judge Aileen Cannon and DOJ leadership on his Truth Social account, calling the trial meticulously handled and thanking the judge and jury. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the verdict reflects the Justice Department’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence. The case underscores the ongoing threat of political violence in the United States and the vital work of security and prosecutors in protecting the democratic process. Routh now faces a possible life sentence; sentencing will determine the final outcome.
