Trump Assassin Attempt Suspect Found Guilty, Self-Harms in Court

Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential candidate, during last year’s U.S. election, attempted self-harm in the courtroom immediately after a jury returned a guilty verdict.

According to AP News and other outlets on the 23rd, a 12-member jury at a federal court in Florida, U.S., delivered a guilty verdict against Routh during the trial held that day.

Routh faced charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assault on a federal agent, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The jury found him guilty on all counts. It reportedly took the jury two hours to reach a consensus.

During his final argument, Routh claimed innocence, stating, “I had no intention of killing anyone that day.” He added, “It’s hard to believe a crime occurred if the trigger wasn’t pulled,” and “If I had intended to harm someone, I might have shot the Secret Service agent who approached me.”

Immediately after the verdict was announced, as the jury exited, Routh, who was present in the courtroom, grabbed a pen on the desk and attempted to stab his own neck. Security officers restrained him and dragged him out of the courtroom.

A source familiar with the case stated, “The pen Routh grabbed is designed to prevent detainees from using it as a weapon. Therefore, he did not sustain injuries.”

As security officers pulled Routh out of the courtroom, his daughter Sarah screamed, “Dad, I love you. Don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. You didn’t hurt anyone.” She continued to scream, claiming the lawsuit against her father was fabricated.

The judge announced that Routh would receive his sentencing on December 18. AP News reported, “He could face a life sentence.”

Meanwhile, Routh was arrested on September 15 of last year after hiding at a golf course owned by then-Republican presidential candidate Trump in Florida. He was discovered by a Secret Service agent and fled before being apprehended. At the scene, a digital camera, two bags, a loaded SKS-class rifle equipped with a scope, and a black plastic bag containing food were found.