Jury Finds Ryan Routh Guilty in Trump Assassination Attempt Trial

In a dramatic conclusion to a high-stakes federal case, jurors found Ryan Routh guilty on all charges Tuesday. The verdict followed nearly three weeks of testimony, digital evidence, and emotional courtroom moments.

Routh stood trial for attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club. The jury deliberated for several hours before delivering a unanimous decision. As the verdict was read, chaos briefly erupted in the courtroom.

Routh, 59, reportedly attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen. U.S. Marshals immediately restrained him. His daughter, Sara Routh, also erupted. She yelled profanities and claimed the trial was rigged. “This is not fair,” she screamed. “You guys are a–holes.”

Specifically, the case centered on Routh’s alleged assassination attempt on September 15, 2024. Prosecutors charged him with five serious federal offenses. These included attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and multiple weapons-related crimes.

During closing arguments, prosecutors made their position clear. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne stated, “The defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.” That phrase became the trial’s defining line.

Prosecutors, moreover, highlighted Routh’s 17 surveillance trips to Trump’s golf course. They emphasized his detailed planning, stalking behavior, and extended concealment in a sniper position. Eventually, law enforcement found him near the 6th hole, where steel plates and fences created a makeshift sniper nest.

Meanwhile, digital evidence played a critical role in building the case. Investigators presented flight-tracking logs, text messages, web searches, and vehicle records. Together, these pieces of evidence clearly tied Routh to Trump’s movements and the planned assassination site. In addition, surveillance footage and license plate readers further supported the prosecution’s timeline.

One of the most damning pieces of evidence was a semi-automatic rifle. It was found near the scene with 19 rounds loaded, including one in the chamber. Forensic experts matched Routh’s DNA and fingerprints to the rifle, scope, gloves, and a gear bag.

Bank records confirmed Routh had purchased the rifle. Prosecutors also linked him to a manifesto sent to two men in North Carolina. The package included bullets, wires, and an offer of $150,000 to “complete the job.” Though most of the manifesto was excluded, the jury heard the chilling first three lines.

Once again, Browne told jurors in closing, “This was not a publicity stunt. The defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.” Naturally, that message echoed throughout the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Routh, who represented himself, introduced no admissible evidence. He questioned only three witnesses, two of whom hadn’t spoken to him in years. His defense rested after just a few hours.

The prosecution, by contrast, presented 38 witnesses. They included FBI agents, forensic scientists, digital analysts, and expert marksmen. The evidence formed a tight, chronological case.

Ultimately, conviction on the top charge required proof of two things: criminal intent and substantial action. Prosecutors succeeded in showing both. With the verdict now in, Routh faces a possible life sentence.

The case sent a clear message about the seriousness of political violence. It also revealed the extent to which digital footprints can expose criminal plans. Above all, the courtroom heard one line repeatedly: “The defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.”

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