FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — In a significant legal development, Ryan Routh was convicted by a federal jury on all counts related to his attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump while he was playing golf at a Florida country club on September 15, 2024. The trial lasted two weeks, and the jury, consisting of seven women and five men, reached a verdict in just two hours. The assassination plot was thwarted when a Secret Service agent noticed Routh and fired a shot, prompting him to flee the scene.

The courtroom erupted in chaos moments after the verdict was announced. Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen, but he was quickly restrained by law enforcement officers. During this distressing moment, Routh's daughter, Sara, shouted to him from the gallery, expressing her love and urging him not to harm himself, stating, "Dad, I love you, don't do anything. I'll get you out. He didn't hurt anybody." Following her outburst, Sara was escorted from the courtroom, waiting outside alongside her brother, Adam Routh.

Authorities reported that the pen Routh tried to use was designed to prevent inmates from weaponizing it, and he did not injure himself in the incident. After order was restored, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon addressed Routh, who appeared in court shackled and without the formal attire he had worn during the trial, announcing that his sentencing is scheduled for December 18 at 9:30 a.m. Routh faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Following the verdict, Trump commented to reporters in New York, stating that the case was "really well-handled" and emphasizing the importance of preventing such acts of violence. He expressed appreciation for the jury and the judge, noting that justice had been served.

Prosecutors detailed that Routh, 59, had devoted weeks to plotting the assassination before he targeted Trump on the golf course. This incident came just nine weeks after an earlier assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman had discharged eight shots, narrowly missing Trump.

Testimony presented at the trial included that from Special Agent Robert Fercano, who was responsible for Trump’s protection at the time of the incident. He testified that he spotted Routh before Trump arrived and that Routh aimed his rifle at him, which led the agent to fire in self-defense, ultimately causing Routh to abandon his weapon and flee without discharging it.

Law enforcement received crucial assistance from a witness who observed someone fleeing the scene after the gunshots. This witness was transported via helicopter and later identified Routh during his arrest on a nearby interstate. Routh faced multiple serious charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.

Throughout the trial, Routh represented himself after being permitted by Judge Cannon to do so. Despite his decision, Routh did not testify in his own defense and primarily called three witnesses to support his case, in stark contrast to the prosecution's seven-day presentation involving 38 witnesses. Routh's closing argument centered on the claim that no crime occurred since he did not pull the trigger.

Following the conviction, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the case as a demonstration of the Department of Justice's resolve in addressing political violence, asserting that the assassination attempt was not only an attack on Trump but also an affront to the nation itself.

Ryan Routh's criminal history is notable, having previously faced legal issues involving violent behavior and theft. He had attempted to engage others in conflicts, including during the early stages of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and had encountered law enforcement several times in the past. He still faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder in connection with the assassination plot against Trump.