Ryan Routh

Ryan Wesley Routh (born February 18, 1966) is an American former roofer who attempted to assassinate then-former U.S. President Donald Trump on September 15, 2024. Routh was attempting to assassinate Trump to prevent him from winning the 2024 presidential election. The incident occurred two months after Trump survived a previous assassination attempt while speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. On September 15, 2024 at 1:59 AM EDT, just outside the fence of Trump's Florida golf course, Routh hid in shrubbery holding an SKS-style rifle. At 1:31 PM, Routh pointed his weapon through the fence line, approximately 400 yards (350 meters) from Trump. A Secret Service agent noticed this and fired four rounds towards Routh, who fled and was later captured in Martin County. Routh was indicted on a total of five federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate. Florida added three state charges, including attempted felony murder. Routh pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Two conspirators who helped Routh obtain the rifle were arrested and charged. In July 2025, Routh chose to fire his public defenders and represent himself. His trial began on September 8, 2025. Two weeks later, on September 23, he was found guilty on all five federal counts. While the verdict was being read in the courtroom, Routh grabbed a pen and attempted to stab himself in the neck. He was instead tackled by marshals. On February 4, 2026, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.