Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect Stabs Himself in Court
Ryan Routh, the man who plotted to murder Donald Trump, attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen seconds after being found guilty on all counts in his scheme against the country’s controversial leader. The shocking moment unfolded inside a Fort Pierce, Florida, courtroom Tuesday afternoon, with U.S. Marshals tackling and restraining the 59-year-old before he could seriously harm himself.
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As the chaos broke out, Routh’s daughter, Sara Routh, screamed from the gallery, “Don’t do anything. I will get you out. What the f**k, f**k, he didn’t hurt anybody. This is not fair. This is all rigged…you guys are a**holes.” Jurors were still seated as the courtroom descended into disorder.
Routh had been facing five serious federal charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several weapons violations. Prosecutors argued that his intent to kill Trump was clear, backed by surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and what they described as military-style sniper tactics used to target Trump during a planned rally at his West Palm Beach golf club on September 15th, 2024.
Investigators said Routh conducted 17 scouting trips to the property, where he ultimately set up a sniper hideout near the sixth hole. He was discovered after pointing a loaded SKS rifle at a federal agent. The weapon was found to be operational, loaded with 19 rounds, and had Routh’s fingerprints and DNA all over it.
Prosecutors also introduced digital evidence, including search history, flight tracking related to Trump’s movements, and a manifesto offering a $150,000 bounty to “complete the job.” The rifle, gloves, bag, and other materials were all tied to Routh through forensic analysis.
“This was not a publicity stunt,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne told the jury. “The evidence has shown one thing and one thing only — the defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.”
Routh chose to represent himself during the nearly three-week trial. He introduced little to no evidence in his own defense, and only called three witnesses, none of whom had recently been in contact with him. The jury deliberated for just several hours before returning the guilty verdict.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but the charges could carry a life sentence.