Attempted Trump Assassin Found Guilty, Tries to Stab Himself in Courtroom

Ryan Routh, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course last year, tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen moments after the guilty verdict was read aloud in court Tuesday.

Court officers quickly tackled and restrained the 59-year-old, who had chosen to represent himself during the trial and frequently clashed with the judge. He now faces federal sentencing after being found guilty on five counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms charges.

The jury deliberated for just two hours after the two-week trial concluded. Prosecutors introduced extensive evidence — including cell phone records, DNA from the sniper’s nest, and ballistic matches — to prove that Routh had set up a calculated plot to assassinate Trump during a public golf outing.

“This was not a publicity stunt,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne in closing arguments. “The evidence has shown one thing and one thing only — the defendant wanted Donald Trump dead.”

Routh, who fired his court-appointed attorneys earlier in the summer, offered a rambling, hour-long closing argument that veered into topics like the Revolutionary War, Ukraine, and even Edward R. Murrow. Judge Eileen Cannon eventually cut him off after multiple warnings for going off-topic.

His closing statement included the bizarre declaration: “The only thing I’m guilty of is caring deeply for this country.”

That argument didn’t hold. The jury found him guilty on all counts.

Routh’s dramatic self-harm attempt following the verdict underscored the emotional and psychological volatility that characterized the entire trial. Law enforcement confirmed he was medically stable after the courtroom incident, but additional mental health evaluations may be ordered before sentencing.

The high-profile case has reignited debates about political violence and courtroom safety, especially as President Trump ramps up appearances ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Routh is expected to face a lengthy federal prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.