Who Is Ryan Routh? Everything We Know About Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect

Ryan Wesley Routh, a 59-year-old man from North Carolina, was found guilty of attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump during a golf outing in Florida. His trial ended on September 23, 2025, with a dramatic courtroom outburst. Routh grabbed a pen and tried to stab himself in the neck after the jury delivered its verdict.

The case has shocked the nation. Routh, who once supported Trump, now faces life in prison. He will be sentenced on December 18, 2025. The incident has reignited debates over political violence and security threats to U.S. leaders.

Who Is Ryan Routh? Key Details

Routh was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1966. He studied briefly at North Carolina A&T State University before running a roofing business. He later moved to Hawaii, where he started a shed-building company with his son. Despite this seemingly quiet life, his history includes more than 100 criminal charges, arrests for weapons offenses, and probation sentences.

According to prosecutors, Routh carefully planned the September 15, 2024, assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. He was armed with an SKS-style rifle and hid in shrubbery near the fifth hole, waiting for Trump. Secret Service agent Robert Fercano spotted him before he could fire. A handwritten note later surfaced where Routh admitted it was an “assassination attempt.”

The FBI and Department of Justice confirmed Routh’s intent through witness testimony, seized documents, and digital evidence. The jury found him guilty on all five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms violations. He was also convicted of possessing a firearm with a removed serial number.

During the two-week trial, Routh represented himself, delivering disorganized arguments. He tried to claim that carrying a weapon did not prove intent. Judge Aileen Cannon repeatedly warned him for straying off topic. Prosecutors argued that his writings, preparations, and actions showed clear intent to kill Trump.

Broader Impact and Reactions

Donald Trump responded to the guilty verdict on Truth Social, calling it “a very big moment for justice in America.” He praised the DOJ team, the judge, and the jury. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the attempt as “an affront to our very nation itself.”

The case comes at a tense time in U.S. politics. Just days before the verdict, Trump attended a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month. The events have heightened concerns about escalating political violence.

Experts warn that Routh’s case shows the dangers of radicalization, personal grievances, and political extremism converging into violent action. With sentencing set for December, security agencies are likely to face renewed scrutiny over how to prevent similar attempts in the future.

Ryan Routh’s conviction highlights the ongoing risks of political violence in America. His name will remain tied to one of the most serious assassination attempts on a modern U.S. leader.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Ryan Routh?

He is a 59-year-old North Carolina native convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in Florida in 2024.

Q2: What happened during Ryan Routh’s trial?

He represented himself, delivered chaotic arguments, and tried to stab himself in court after the guilty verdict.

Q3: What charges was Ryan Routh found guilty of?

He was convicted of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and three federal gun charges.

Q4: When will Ryan Routh be sentenced?

His sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025. He faces life in prison.

Q5: Why does Ryan Routh’s case matter?

It highlights growing threats of political violence in the U.S. and raises questions about security and extremism.

References

Reuters. (2025). Coverage of Ryan Routh trial and verdict.

Associated Press. (2025). Report on Routh’s conviction and courtroom incident.

BBC News. (2025). Analysis of U.S. political violence cases.