FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Chaos erupted in a Florida courtroom when Ryan Routh, recently convicted for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, attempted to stab himself with a pen just moments after the jury delivered their verdict. Officers quickly swooped in to prevent his actions, dragging him out amidst his daughter's desperate cries.
The jury, which included five men and seven women, deliberated for only two hours before finding Routh guilty on multiple serious charges, including attempted assassination and unlawful possession of firearms.
As Routh attempted to inflict harm upon himself, his daughter shouted, Dad I love you don’t do anything! pleading with him to reconsider. She described the trial as rigged and expressed her distress outside the courthouse.
Routh's trial revealed a disturbing narrative as prosecutors reported he had been plotting the attack for weeks. On Sept. 15, 2024, he aimed a rifle through bushes at Trump while he played golf. However, Routh argued he never intended to kill anyone and emphasized that the trigger of the gun was never pulled.
His courtroom defense was short-lived; Routh exercised his right to represent himself and called only three witnesses over three days, while prosecutors presented 38 witnesses over a weeklong span.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had permitted Routh to represent himself, citing the constitutional rights of defendants. Routh now faces numerous federal and state charges, indicating a history of troubling behavior, including prior arrests and threats.
This incident raises concerns about political violence and the stability of public figures amid increasing tensions in today’s society.
