Man Found Guilty in Attempted Assassination Plot Against Donald Trump on Golf Course

A Florida man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his golf course last year has been found guilty on all counts following a federal trial in Fort Pierce.

Ryan Routh, 59, was charged with five offenses, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and unlawful possession of firearms. Prosecutors said he created a sniper’s nest near the sixth green at Trump International Golf Club but never fired a shot.

Jurors deliberated less than three hours before returning a guilty verdict. The trial included testimony from 38 witnesses, as well as hundreds of exhibits. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Kimberly McGreevy presented cellphone records, surveillance footage, and text messages prosecutors said showed Routh stalking Trump, purchasing a rifle, and preparing an escape plan that involved multiple license plates, aliases, and a possible flight to Mexico.

The government said Routh searched online for Trump’s rallies, Palm Beach traffic cameras, and even instructions for making a tourniquet. Hours before the planned attack on September 15, 2024, he texted farewell messages to his three children.

Eyewitness Tommy McGee testified that he followed Routh after spotting him fleeing the scene, writing down his license plate and alerting authorities. Routh was arrested shortly afterward on Interstate 95.

During closing arguments, prosecutors stressed intent, arguing Routh “obsessively stalked and tracked his intended victim.” Routh, representing himself, claimed there was no intent to carry out the assassination, telling jurors, “If the attempted assassination was not taken, it is not an attempt.”

Judge Aileen Cannon repeatedly admonished Routh for veering off course in his arguments. Despite calling a handful of witnesses, including a former Marine sniper, Routh failed to convince jurors. His daughter later told CNN she believed the trial was “rigged.”

The conviction marks the second alleged attempt on Trump’s life during his campaign and highlights ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States.

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