Man convicted of Trump killing plot tries to stab himself after verdict

(NewsNation) — Jurors have found Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to kill then-candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year, guilty on all charges.

After the verdict was read, Routh tried to stab himself with a pen. Marshals tackled him, and he was removed from the room in handcuffs.

John Grouse, a witness inside the courtroom at the time, described the moment as "chaos" to NewsNation. Grouse also said he saw no blood or injuries on Routh when authorities restrained him.

"The daughter was crying for him and she was eventually escorted out," Grouse said.

Jurors reach the verdict

Routh, 59, was found guilty on all five counts, which included the attempted assassination of Trump, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations, which carry a potential life sentence.

"Today’s guilty verdict against would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post.

"This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our president, but an affront to our very nation itself."

Trump's assassination attempt

Prosecutors have said Routh plotted to kill Trump for weeks, including tracking his plane movements, before aiming a rifle at the president as he golfed at his West Palm Beach country club on Sept. 15, 2024.

Instead, Routh is accused of firing at a Secret Service agent who spotted him and fled before firing any bullets toward the president, an agent testified last week.

During the roughly two-week trial, Routh represented himself and did not testify in his own defense.

Routh's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18.