A jury in a Florida federal courthouse has reached a verdict in a case involving a man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump.
A federal jury in Florida has found Ryan Routh guilty on all charges related to his attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at his Palm Beach golf course last year. The verdict was reached after jurors in Fort Pierce began deliberations earlier today in the high-stakes federal criminal trial.
Routh, 59, who has been representing himself, faced five federal charges, including the lead count of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, as well as assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms offenses. If the verdict stands, Routh could face a life sentence in prison.
During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne told the jury that Routh’s intent was “clear” and that the evidence had shown “one thing and one thing only — the defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.”
Browne detailed Routh’s alleged “reconnaissance” missions, noting that Routh had traveled to the Trump International Golf Club on 17 separate occasions in the weeks leading up to the September 15, 2024, assassination attempt. The prosecution also presented a mountain of evidence throughout the trial, including cell phone data placing Routh at the golf course, bank records, burner phone purchases, and DNA evidence linking him to the SKS rifle recovered at the scene.
Adding to the case for the prosecution was a chilling piece of evidence: a rap song Routh allegedly penned after his arrest, which contained lyrics about killing Trump with a sniper rifle. “It’s not every case where the defendant writes down his intent on a piece of paper,” Browne told the jury.
The contrast between the prosecution’s methodical, two-week-long case and Routh’s unorthodox defense was a recurring theme throughout the trial.
“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 US Attorney General Pam Bondi follwoing the verdict. “This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself. I am grateful to US Attprney Jason Quinones, his entire trial team, and our law enforcement partners for protecting President Trump and securing this important verdict.”
Routh, who represented himself, called only three witnesses and chose not to testify on his own behalf, despite repeated warnings from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to stay on topic and adhere to court procedures.
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