A jury in Florida found 59-year-old Ryan Routh guilty of attempted murder, attempted assault, illegal firearm possession, and assaulting a security officer, after plotting to attack former President Donald Trump during a golf event.

Routh claimed he did not intend to kill anyone, arguing he didn't pull the trigger and could have shot a Secret Service agent, but evidence showed he had planned for weeks to target Trump.

The prosecution presented evidence of Routh's detailed plot, including aiming a rifle through shrubbery during Trump's golf game, which was thwarted by Secret Service agents.

The case drew significant media attention due to the high-profile target and the defendant's self-representation, raising concerns about political security and threats against prominent figures.

The incident underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding political figures, with Routh's behavior in court and the verdict highlighting the seriousness of the threat.

The trial took place in Fort Pierce, Florida, overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who allowed Routh to represent himself after previous hearings.

During the trial, Routh sought to defend himself, giving a rambling closing argument, and was ultimately found guilty after a brief jury deliberation of less than three hours.

Immediately after the verdict was announced, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen, causing a disturbance that required police intervention and leading to his removal from the courtroom.

Following the verdict, President Trump publicly praised law enforcement for preventing the attack, emphasized justice, and condemned political violence.

Trump also criticized the UN's effectiveness and funding during his speech, while highlighting US military strength and strategic deterrence.

Routh, who represented himself during the trial, faces sentencing on December 18, 2025, with the potential for a life sentence, after the jury's swift guilty verdict.

Routh's communications included texts to his children expressing love before his arrest, which followed his fleeing north on Interstate 95, and his fiancée was aware of his detention.

The attack was motivated by political reasons, with Routh allegedly targeting Trump due to his political beliefs, and the incident occurred while Trump was playing golf in Florida.