what did ryan routh do

Ryan Wesley Routh is an American man who attempted to assassinate then- presidential candidate Donald Trump on September 15, 2024, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was found hiding with an SKS-style rifle near the golf course and tried to point his weapon at Trump, who was on the course at a distance of 300-500 yards. A Secret Service agent shot rounds at Routh, who fled the scene and was later arrested. Routh did not fire his weapon before being apprehended. His trial began in September 2025, and on September 23, 2025, he was found guilty on all five federal charges, including attempted assassination and assaulting a federal officer, facing life in prison. Routh has a history of legal troubles, including convictions for possessing a weapon of mass destruction and other crimes over several decades. He had an extensive criminal record and was described as a disillusioned former Trump voter who supported Ukraine in its war against Russia, although his claims of involvement in Ukraine were disputed. Prosecutors allege he planned his assassination attempt months in advance and sought military weapons for the plot. Routh was known to run a roofing business, and later a tiny house business in Hawaii, and had a complex personal history including family conflicts and a reputation for having many guns that made neighbors uncomfortable. Despite this, some described him as a caring father. After the guilty verdict, he attempted to harm himself in court but was subdued by marshals. In summary, Ryan Routh is primarily known for his 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, extensive criminal history, and notoriety from his trial and conviction in 2025.