who is routh

Ryan Wesley Routh is an American man known for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. On September 15, 2024, Routh was found hiding with a rifle near the golf course and was shot at by a Secret Service agent but fled the scene before being arrested. He was charged with attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate and other firearm-related offenses. His trial began in September 2025, where he chose to represent himself, and he was found guilty on all counts on September 23, 2025. Routh faces life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for December 18, 2025. Routh has a complex background including previous residence in North Carolina and Hawaii, running a roofing business, and claims of involvement with the Russo-Ukrainian War, including attempts to recruit soldiers for Ukraine. He has been described as exhibiting erratic behavior during his trial, and he made unusual statements in court. He has also been involved in an incident in 1991 where he confronted a suspected rapist and was honored for his actions by local law enforcement in Greensboro, North Carolina. Overall, Routh is primarily known now for his attempted assassination of the President, his trial, and conviction.