Ryan Routh
Ryan Routh | |
|---|---|
Routh's mug shot after his arrest in 2024 | |
| Born | Ryan Wesley Routh February 18, 1966 |
| Education | UNC Greensboro (dropped out) North Carolina A&T State University (dropped out) |
| Known for | Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Florida |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Political party | Independent (since 2002) Democratic (1988–2002) |
| Spouse |
Lora Frances Wilson
(m. 1989; div. 2003) |
| Partner | Kathleen Elizabeth Shaffer (2017–2024) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Daniel Wesley Routh (father) Marjorie Patton Fearing (mother) |
| Motive | Prevent Trump from winning the 2024 presidential election |
| Convictions | 5 counts |
| Criminal charge | 3 counts |
| Penalty | Federal: Life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 7 years to run consecutively |
| Details | |
| Date | September 15, 2024 |
| Location | Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach |
| Weapon | SKS semiautomatic 7.62x39 caliber rifle |
| Imprisoned at | Federal Detention Center, Miami (currently awaiting designation by the FBOP) |
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Ryan Wesley Routh (born February 18, 1966) is an American former roofer and activist who attempted to assassinate then-former U.S. President Donald Trump on September 15, 2024. Routh was attempting to assassinate Trump to prevent him from being elected. The incident occurred two months after Trump survived a previous assassination attempt while speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.
On September 15, 2024 at 1:59 AM EDT, just outside the fence of Trump's Florida golf course, Routh hid in shrubbery holding an SKS-style rifle. At 1:31 PM, Routh pointed his weapon through the fence line, approximately 400 yards from Trump. A Secret Service agent noticed this and fired four rounds towards Routh, who fled and was later captured in Martin County.
Routh was indicted on a total of five federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate. Florida added three state charges, including attempted felony murder. Routh pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Two conspirators who helped Routh obtain the rifle were arrested and charged. In July 2025, Routh chose to fire his public defenders and represent himself. His trial began on September 8, 2025. Two weeks later, on September 23, he was found guilty on all five federal counts. While the verdict was being read in the courtroom, Routh grabbed a pen and attempted to stab himself in the neck. He was instead tackled by marshals. On February 4, 2026, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.