The Attempted Assassination - Ryan Routh
Overview
Who was Ryan Routh?
Ryan Wesley Routh, born in 1966, is accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign. On September 15, 2024, Routh was found hiding in shrubbery with a rifle at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, allegedly aiming at Trump from 300–500 yards away. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, but he fled and was later arrested. The FBI confirmed Routh never fired his weapon.
Sentencing
He has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. His trial is set for September 8, 2025, and he faces life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
The Attempt
Timing
On September 15, 2024, Ryan Routh allegedly positioned himself at Trump’s golf course around 1:59 a.m. and was spotted by a Secret Service agent at 1:31 p.m., who fired at him. Routh dropped his weapon and fled in a vehicle. Trump was quickly escorted away by his security team. Routh was arrested at 2:22 p.m. on Interstate 95 and initially charged with firearm offenses, including being a felon in possession of a weapon and having a firearm with a removed serial number.
Arrest
He appeared to be smiling and laughing during his arraignment. On September 24, Routh was formally charged with attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. On December 18, he received an additional charge of attempted felony murder after his escape caused a traffic crash that injured a 6-year-old girl.
DOJ Evidence
On September 23, 2024, the DOJ released a note written months earlier by Ryan Routh, in which he referred to a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump and offered a $150,000 bounty to anyone who could succeed. The FBI also found documents listing Trump’s past and future appearances, and cell phone data showed Routh had stalked Trump from August to mid-September.
Judge Bias & Insanity Plea
Routh pleaded not guilty on September 30, and a preliminary trial date was set for November 18 by Judge Aileen Cannon. Routh’s legal team tried to have her recused, citing bias, but she refused. The trial date was moved to February 10, 2025, and later to September 8, 2025, after the defense requested more time, partly due to plans for a potential insanity defense. Mental health experts reportedly labeled Routh “delusional.”
Son's Arrest
Oran Alexander Routh CP Charges
During the investigation into Ryan Routh’s alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, authorities searched the home of his son, Oran Alexander Routh, 35, in Greensboro. They found hundreds of child pornography files on his devices. Oran was charged with multiple counts, initially pleaded not guilty, and was later released to his mother’s custody.
Trial
His trial, originally set for December 2024, was delayed to February 12, 2025. Additional charges were filed, including possession involving a minor under 12. He eventually pleaded guilty to that one count, and the other charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal. During court, Oran was described as giving evasive answers and later had an outburst, claiming the case was "political persecution."