Trump’s would-be assassin Ryan Routh stabs himself in the neck with a PEN after he was found guilty on all counts of attempt to assassinate Trump

Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, was found guilty on all five federal counts against him. Moments after the verdict was read, chaos erupted when Routh tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen, forcing U.S. marshals to restrain him in front of a stunned courtroom.

Guilty on all counts

The jury convicted Routh of:

• Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate
• Assault on a federal officer
• Unlawful use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime
• Possessing a firearm as a felon
• Using a firearm with a defaced serial number

Prosecutors said Routh carefully planned the attack, using burner phones, surveillance, and a hidden sniper position near Trump International Golf Club in Florida. A Secret Service agent testified he spotted Routh hiding with a rifle, fired at him, and chased him down before he could shoot.

Routh, who represented himself at trial, gave an erratic closing statement filled with political grievances and personal theories. He argued that because he never pulled the trigger, he did not attempt to kill Trump — a claim the jury swiftly rejected.

The courtroom incident

As the jury exited, Routh grabbed a pen from his desk and thrust it toward his own neck. Marshals tackled him within seconds, preventing serious injury. His daughter, who was seated nearby, cried out: “Dad, I love you. Don’t do anything. I’ll get you out.”

After being restrained and treated briefly, Routh was brought back into court to hear the judge confirm the guilty verdicts. He now faces a potential life sentence, with formal sentencing scheduled for December.

Fallout and reactions

• Officials said the verdict sends a message that political violence will be met with the harshest consequences.
• Observers described Routh’s behavior as emotionally unstable, raising questions about his mental state throughout the trial.
• His decision to represent himself allowed him to speak freely, but also left him exposed without a strong legal defense.
• The self-stabbing attempt is expected to spark renewed debate about courtroom security and the handling of high-risk defendants.

What comes next

• Routh’s medical condition after the self-inflicted wound is being monitored, but reports suggest it was not life-threatening.
• Sentencing is set for December, when prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum penalty.
• His legal team — if one is appointed for appeals — may argue mental health factors or procedural issues.
• Court officials may review protocols to prevent similar incidents in future trials.