Ryan Routh Convicted in Trump Golf Ambush

A federal jury on Sept. 23–24 convicted 59-year-old Ryan Routh on all five counts — including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple weapons offenses — for an ambush at Trump International Golf Club on Sept. 15, 2024; he faces up to life in prison. Prosecutors presented extensive digital and forensic evidence, including surveillance of multiple reconnaissance trips, DNA links to a semiautomatic rifle and gear, a defaced serial number on the rifle, and a handwritten “Dear World” letter acknowledging the attempt, to show intent and that Routh took substantial steps toward the crime. A Secret Service agent testified he spotted Routh in camouflage with the rifle barrel aimed at him, fired when it tracked his movement, and Routh fled and was arrested later on I‑95. Routh represented himself during the roughly two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, repeatedly clashed with the court and witnesses, and argued he lacked intent because no shot was fired. The jury deliberated only a few hours before returning guilty verdicts. After the verdict Routh appeared to try to stab himself in the courtroom and was restrained by U.S. Marshals, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said the conviction underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to punishing political violence.