Overview

• After about two hours of deliberation, a federal jury in Fort Pierce found Routh guilty on all counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses.
• Prosecutors presented cellphone and travel data, bank records, burner phone purchases, DNA and fingerprint matches, and an SKS-style rifle with 19 rounds, arguing the evidence showed planning and intent.
• Investigators and witnesses described Routh making at least 17 reconnaissance trips to Trump International Golf Club before a Secret Service agent spotted him in shrubbery on Sept. 15, 2024 and opened fire, prompting him to flee.
• Routh represented himself, called a firearms expert and two character witnesses, declined to testify, and argued he never intended to kill anyone because he did not pull the trigger.
• A handwritten “Dear World” letter tied to Routh referenced an assassination attempt and was admitted in part at trial; he now faces a potential life sentence, with sentencing and possible appeals ahead.