MIAMI, FL — A federal jury has convicted 59-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii for attempting to assassinate then-former President Donald J. Trump in a planned sniper attack at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
According to trial evidence, Routh had concealed himself in a sniper’s hide near the golf course with an SKS-style rifle equipped with a scope and loaded magazine, aimed toward the sixth hole green. He was spotted by a U.S. Secret Service special agent patrolling near the president, who opened fire in response. Routh fled the scene but was later apprehended on I-95 by Martin County Sheriff’s deputies, with assistance from Palm Beach County deputies.
In Routh’s vehicle, investigators found multiple cellphones, a list of outbound flights from Miami International Airport, and other evidence indicating premeditated intent. Cell tower records and surveillance placed Routh near both the golf course and Mar-a-Lago in the weeks leading up to the incident. A handwritten confession letter addressed “Dear World” was also recovered.
Routh was convicted of the following charges:
- Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate (maximum life sentence)
- Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (maximum life sentence)
- Assaulting a federal officer (maximum 20 years)
- Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition (maximum 15 years)
- Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number (maximum 5 years)
A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date. The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, ATF, and local sheriff’s offices in Palm Beach and Martin counties.
