‘Shocking’: Ryan Routh tries stabbing himself in neck after being found guilty in attempted assassination of Donald Trump
President: ‘This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him’
FORT PIERCE, Florida – Would-be assassin Ryan Routh tried stabbing himself in the neck Tuesday after a jury found him guilty on all charges in last year’s attempted murder of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Republican’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The verdict came just two hours after closing arguments Tuesday, as Routh acted as his own defense attorney on charges of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“Today’s guilty verdict against would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on X.
“This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself. ”
“I am grateful to @USAO_SDFL Jason Quinones, his entire trial team, and our law enforcement partners for protecting President Trump and securing this important verdict.”
Danamarie McNicholl of Fox News reported Routh tried stabbing himself in the neck upon learning the verdicts.
“It is quite shocking. As the verdict was read, it appeared to our producers inside the courtroom that Routh tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen,” said McNicholl.
“Then four marshals dragged him out of the courtroom, took his coat off, they then shackled him at the waist and ankles and then they brought him back in the courtroom.”
President Trump reacted to the verdicts, saying on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the entire DOJ team on the conviction, in Florida, of the person who attempted an assassination on my life.
“The trial was meticulously handled, and I would like to thank the Judge and Jury for their time, professionalism, and patience. This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him.
“I would also like to thank the Secret Service, Department of Florida Law Enforcement, and the wonderful person who spotted him running from the site of the crime, and acted by following him, and getting all information on car type and license plate to the Sheriff’s Office, IMMEDIATELY, which led to his arrest and conviction. What incredible instinct and foresight this person had – A very big moment for JUSTICE IN AMERICA!”
Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker said the message the guilty verdicts send is: “If you do this in America, you will face the consequence and it is a heavy consequence. There is a life sentence on the first count of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate.”
“I have no doubt he will be likely serving life in jail for the rest of his life.”
Parker opined that Routh “thinks he’s the victim.”
“He just thinks the world is against him and he had the right to do what he did. In is mind, he didn’t fire a shot, so he didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I have no doubt he will be likely serving life in jail for the rest of his life.”
Parker opined that Routh “thinks he’s the victim.”
“He just thinks the world is against him and he had the right to do what he did. In is mind, he didn’t fire a shot, so he didn’t do anything wrong.”
Routh was arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, heading north on Interstate 95 in Martin County, Florida, after being spotted pointing a gun through a fence as Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach. A citizen was able to give authorities a description of the getaway vehicle, helping his capture once he left Palm Beach County.
“The guy’s a dangerous guy, there’s no two ways about it. His intention was to harm the president,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told Will Cain of Fox News.
“It’s unfortunate in today’s environment these people are out there. Unless the temperature in this United States comes down a little bit in the political environment, we’re gonna see more of it unfortunately.”
The attempted assassination in Florida was the second against Trump in 2024, as he was struck in the ear by a bullet during a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania,.
