### Ryan Wesley Routh’s Message to Donald Trump
Ryan Wesley Routh, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, has written several handwritten notes from prison, directly addressing the former president. In his messages, Routh made an unexpected offer to Trump, saying he would allow Trump to “punch him in the face” as a gesture of accountability.
Routh’s letters, which surfaced this week, express remorse for his actions and reveal a mix of guilt, self-justification, and attempts at reconciliation. He reportedly wrote that he “regrets what happened” and that his behavior was “the result of a mental breakdown.”
### Background on the Assassination Attempt
Routh was apprehended after allegedly trying to shoot at Trump during a campaign event earlier this year. Law enforcement described the attack as a “premeditated act,” and prosecutors successfully argued for a long-term prison sentence citing public safety concerns.
During his trial, Routh’s defense claimed that he suffered from mental illness and lacked full control of his actions at the time. Nonetheless, he was found guilty on multiple counts, including attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
### Public Reaction
Public reaction to Routh’s prison correspondence has been mixed. Some observers viewed his offer as a strange attempt to seek publicity, while others interpreted it as an expression of remorse. Trump has not publicly commented on Routh’s remarks.
> “If he wants to punch me in the face, I’d let him do it. Maybe that would make things right,” Routh allegedly wrote.
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**Author’s summary:** Ryan Wesley Routh, convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, sent letters from prison expressing guilt and bizarrely inviting Trump to punch him to “make things right.”
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Newsweek on MSN — 2025-11-26