WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A federal jury has found Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, from Hawaii, guilty of trying to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in a thwarted sniper attack at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. This incident stands out as one of the gravest instances of political violence in contemporary American history.
As a result of the verdict, Routh is now facing multiple life sentences. The charges against him include attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assault on a federal law enforcement officer, and various weapons offenses.
“This attempted assassination was not just an attack on President Trump — it was an attack on our Republic,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s verdict ensures that political violence will not go unpunished.”
A Chilling Plot Foiled at the Last Moment
As per the evidence shown during the trial, the events began on September 15, 2024, only weeks ahead of the national election. While President Trump was enjoying a game of golf at his West Palm Beach club, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Robert Fercano observed something unusual near the sixth hole. From a sniper’s hide concealed in brush and fence line, Routh had an SKS-style rifle loaded and scoped, aimed toward the green. The rifle had its serial number obliterated, the safety was off, and extra ammunition was nearby — ready for what prosecutors called a “deliberate and well-planned assassination attempt.”
Special Agent Fercano, realizing the threat, opened fire. Routh fled on foot but was later spotted fleeing in a black Nissan Xterra and apprehended by Martin County Sheriff’s deputies, working in coordination with Palm Beach authorities.
Investigators found a trove of damning evidence:
The loaded rifle and sniper setup at the scene
A handwritten confession in a box Routh left with a witness, stating: “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you.”
Cell phone records showing Routh had repeatedly visited Trump International and Mar-a-Lago in the weeks leading up to the attack
A list of flights and directions to Miami International Airport, suggesting Routh intended to flee the country immediately after the attempt
“The evidence was overwhelming — a premeditated, politically motivated assassination attempt, complete with escape plans,” said Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg. “It was only due to the quick actions of law enforcement that a national tragedy was avoided.”
“Let this verdict be a reminder: we will not tolerate political violence,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “You cannot silence political voices through intimidation or violence. It is un-American and it is criminal.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added: “The FBI remains vigilant in protecting our public officials and rooting out threats — domestic or foreign — to our democratic institutions.”
Charges and Sentencing
Routh was convicted of the following:
- Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate — Max sentence: Life imprisonment
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence — Max sentence: Life imprisonment
- Assault of a federal law enforcement officer — Max sentence: 20 years
- Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition — Max sentence: 15 years
- Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number — Max sentence: 5 years
A sentencing hearing is expected later this year. The federal judge will weigh the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors before determining the final punishment.
U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones emphasized that this attack, like others in recent years, reflects a dangerous rise in politically driven violence.
“This was not just about one man. It was an assault on the right to vote, the right to speak, and the heart of our democracy,” Quiñones said. “We must — and will — stop this poison from spreading.”
“Justice has been served — and democracy has been defended,” said AG Bondi.
