Man Convicted of Attempted Trump Assassination Tries to Stab Himself in Courtroom

 

A Florida jury has found Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, guilty on multiple federal charges for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at a golf course in September 2024. 

Moments after the verdict was read, Routh grabbed a pen and attempted to stab himself in the neck in the courtroom. He was quickly restrained by marshals and removed from the scene. 

 The Case

• Routh was convicted on all five counts against him, which included: attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and related weapons offenses. 

• He had represented himself during the trial. 

• Prosecutors showed the jury evidence of Routh’s planning, including phone records, surveillance, and a letter outlining his intent. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before reaching the verdict. 

Courtroom Drama

As the verdict was delivered, Routh made the self-harm attempt, wielding a flexible pen (reportedly designed to prevent fatal injury). He did not succeed in inflicting serious harm. His daughter, present in the courtroom, cried out to him in distress. 

Routh was later brought back into court in handcuffs. He faces a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 18, 2025. 

Donald Trump and U.S. officials praised the verdict. Trump called the case “meticulously handled,” while Attorney General Pam Bondi said it reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting political violence.