A federal jury in Miami has convicted Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, of Hawaii, for attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump during his campaign at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Today’s verdict against a would-be assassin of President Trump illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence. This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself. I am grateful to our attorneys and law enforcement partners for protecting President Trump and securing this important verdict.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “This verdict sends a clear message. An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate is an attack on our Republic and on the rights of every citizen. The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who try to silence political voices, and no enemy, foreign or domestic, will ever silence the will of the American people. I want to thank and congratulate the trial team and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work and dedication in bringing this case to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida commented, “Today’s jury verdict delivers justice. What Routh did was objectively evil — an attempt not only to take a life, but to rob Americans of their right to vote and to silence free speech. This was nothing less than an attempted assassination of both a man and the democratic voice he represented. We have seen over the past decade how political violence — from the assassination of Charlie Kirk to threats meant to silence conservative voices — has poisoned our public square. Such violence is un-American. It is an assault on every one of us, no matter our politics. The Southern District of Florida will relentlessly pursue those who try to steal our freedoms, and we will ensure that the rule of law — not fear, not violence — prevails.”
FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “Ryan Routh’s attempted assassination of President Trump was a disgusting act — mere weeks before an election and only months after a separate assassination attempt came dangerously close to succeeding. FBI teams worked quickly and diligently with local partners and the Department of Justice to demonstrate a clear fact pattern of Routh’s planning and intent, and we are grateful to see a quick resolution. The FBI will continue working aggressively to take violent offenders off American streets and protect public officials from threats of all nature.”
Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI’s Miami Field Office added: “Thanks to the quick reaction by the U.S. Secret Service, Ryan Wesley Routh was unsuccessful in his attempt to inflict political violence. The verdict against Routh is indicative of the professionalism, determination, and resilience of the investigative team who rapidly and thoroughly pursued every lead in this top priority case. No stone was left unturned,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “It was an around-the-clock, full court press that put the FBI’s investigative acumen on full display. We are joined in this effort with the full support of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Secret Service, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and DOJ’s National Security Division. I commend their diligence and commitment in pursuit of this outcome.”
During trial proceedings it was revealed that then-U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Robert Fercano observed Routh aiming an AK-style rifle at him from behind a fence near one hole ahead where President Trump was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach; Fercano fired at Routh who fled but left behind weapons including a loaded SKS-style rifle with scope as well as other equipment.
Routh escaped across a road into his vehicle after being seen by witnesses; authorities later apprehended him northbound on I-95 based on witness information.
A search uncovered several mobile phones along with lists detailing flights out from Miami International Airport scheduled for September 15—the day targeted—plus evidence showing cell phone activity near both Trump International Golf Club and Mar-a-Lago over several weeks.
Testimony included evidence that Routh had previously dropped off a box containing a handwritten letter admitting intent: "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you."
Routh now faces maximum penalties including life imprisonment for attempted assassination as well as firearm-related charges; sentencing will be determined by federal district court.
The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies including the FBI, U.S Secret Service,Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office,Martin County Sheriff’s Office, U.S Attorney's Office for Southern District Florida,DOJ National Security Division.
Prosecution efforts were led by Senior Counsel John C Shipley alongside Assistant U.S Attorney Christopher B Browne National Security Section Chief Maria K Medetis Long Special Assistant U S Attorney Jennifer Luce (Southern District Florida) Trial Attorneys James Donnelly John Cella (Justice Dept National Security Division Counterterrorism Section).
Further information about related court documents can be found through PACER under case number 24-CR-80116.
