Ryan Routh’s courtroom chaos after Trump's assassination conviction

In a shocking display of desperation, Ryan Routh, a 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, tried to stab himself with a pen in a Florida courtroom immediately after the guilty verdict was announced.

New York Post reported that Routh’s conviction on five federal charges, including attempted assassination and gun crimes, came after a two-week trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, stemming from a plot to target Trump at a golf course in September 2024.

The incident that led to Routh’s arrest occurred on Sept. 15, 2024, at Trump International West Palm Beach golf course. Prosecutors revealed that Routh had planned the attack for weeks, positioning himself in a sniper’s nest at the edge of the course with an SKS rifle.

Uncovering a Deadly Plot at Golf Course

A Secret Service agent spotted Routh through a fence and opened fire, prompting him to flee without firing a shot. This marked the second attempt on Trump’s life in just over two months, following a July 13, 2024, incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a shooter grazed Trump’s ear during a rally.

Routh was apprehended after the golf course incident and faced a trial that highlighted his erratic behavior. Representing himself despite having no legal training, Routh’s defense was widely seen as disorganized and peculiar. He even suggested resolving the case with a “golf match to the death” against Trump, proposing extreme outcomes depending on the winner.

During the trial, Judge Aileen Cannon frequently reprimanded Routh for breaking court rules. She halted his opening statement after less than 10 minutes due to irrelevant ramblings about historical and political figures. Cannon also blocked his odd questions to potential jurors about unrelated topics like Greenland and hypothetical scenarios.

Courtroom Struggles and Bizarre Legal Tactics

Routh had previously dismissed his legal team, ignoring Cannon’s warnings that they could better defend him. He filed unusual motions, including a witness list with Trump and requests for prisoner swaps with foreign nations. Most of his 24 proposed witnesses were barred as irrelevant by the judge.

At trial, prosecutors presented 38 law enforcement witnesses, including the Secret Service agent who thwarted Routh’s plan. In contrast, Routh called only three witnesses—two for character and one gun expert—and did not testify in his own defense despite pleading not guilty.

The jury deliberated for about two hours before finding Routh guilty on all charges. The verdict was delivered in a tense courtroom atmosphere, setting the stage for a dramatic outburst. Routh now faces sentencing on Dec. 18, with a potential life sentence looming.

Shocking Self-Harm Attempt Stuns Onlookers

Immediately after the verdict was read, Routh grabbed a pen and attempted to stab himself in the neck. Courtroom marshals acted swiftly, restraining him and removing him from the room to prevent further harm.

During the chaos, Routh’s daughter, Sara, cried out in distress. She pleaded, “Dad, I love you. Don’t do anything.”

Sara continued, “I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.” Her emotional outburst echoed through the courtroom as marshals secured the situation.

Trump Responds to Verdict and Incident

Routh was later returned to the courtroom in shackles, no longer wearing his jacket and tie, though his shirt showed no signs of blood. The scene underscored the intense emotions surrounding the case and Routh’s mental state following the conviction.

Former President Trump reacted to the verdict on Truth Social, expressing relief at the outcome. He wrote, “This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him.” Trump also praised the judge, jury, and Secret Service agent for their professionalism and quick actions.

As the sentencing date approaches, the case continues to draw attention due to its connection to recent threats against Trump and Routh’s unpredictable behavior in court. Routh’s own words during the trial, dismissing the case’s significance with, “A life has been lived to the fullest,” reflect his detached attitude. The nation watches as this chapter of political violence unfolds toward a final judgment.