Crime
Sara Routh Leaves Courthouse in Distress After Father Convicted of Attempted Assassination of President Donald Trump
FLORIDA — A federal jury has found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts in connection with the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump at a Florida golf course.
Routh was convicted on five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a former President and assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
He now awaits sentencing.
Following the verdict, Routh’s daughter, Sara Routh, was seen waiting outside the courthouse.
Witnesses described her as visibly distraught, emotional, and angry.
As reporters attempted to approach her for comment, she shouted profanities before fleeing the area, saying, “Get the F out of my face!”
Former President Trump issued a statement shortly after the conviction, thanking prosecutors, the presiding judge, the jury, and federal law enforcement for their handling of the case:
“Congratulations to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the entire DOJ team on the conviction, in Florida, of the person who attempted an assassination on my life. The trial was meticulously handled, and I would like to thank the Judge and Jury for their time, professionalism, and patience. This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him. I would also like to thank the Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the citizen who spotted him fleeing the scene, recorded key information about his car, and immediately alerted the Sheriff’s Office. That brave action directly led to his arrest and conviction. This is a very big moment for justice in America.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also released a statement praising the outcome:
“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. This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President but an affront to our nation itself. I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Jason Quiñones, his trial team, and our law enforcement partners for protecting President Trump and securing this important verdict.”
The Department of Justice confirmed that the conviction underscores its dedication to combating politically motivated violence.
Routh’s sentencing date has not yet been set.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.