Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A federal jury in Miami today convicted Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, of Hawaii, for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump with a sniper attack at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Routh was found guilty on multiple charges, including attempted assassination and assaulting a federal officer, following an incident where he pointed an AK-style rifle at a U.S. Secret Service agent.
Details of the Attempted Assassination
According to evidence presented at trial, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Robert Fercano identified Routh pointing an AK-style rifle at him from a sniper’s hide. Agent Fercano returned fire, prompting Routh to flee the scene. Law enforcement later discovered a loaded rifle, ammunition, body armor, and a camera strategically positioned to target President Trump.
A witness observed Routh fleeing in a black Nissan Xterra. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple cell phones, flight information, and directions to Miami International Airport. Cell phone records further linked Routh’s device to locations near Trump International Golf Club and Mar-a-Lago. Another witness testified that Routh had dropped off a box containing a letter addressed “Dear World,” which included an admission of the assassination attempt.
Charges and Convictions
Routh was convicted of several charges, including attempted assassination, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer. Additional convictions included felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Statements from Justice Officials
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the verdict “illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence.” She characterized the attempted assassination as “not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation itself.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the verdict “sends a clear message” that such attempts are an “attack on our Republic.” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida described Routh’s actions as “objectively evil,” aiming “to rob Americans of their right to vote and to silence free speech.”
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the quick and diligent work of FBI teams in demonstrating Routh’s planning and intent. Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI’s Miami Field Office commended the investigative team’s professionalism and determination, noting their “around-the-clock, full court press” in securing the outcome. He also acknowledged the support of partner agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
