Ryan Routh, the suspect in an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen shortly after a guilty verdict was read on September 23rd, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM UTC. The incident occurred in the courtroom following the pronouncement of his guilt. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump made remarks regarding NATO allies and deferred comment on alleged drone incursions in Denmark, stating, "I have no response until I find out exactly what happened." When questioned about his trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded, "I'll let you know in about a month from now." These comments followed his address at the UN General Assembly and meetings with Argentinian President Javier Milei and UN Secretary General António Guterres. In other developments, Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an Obama appointee, dismissed former FBI agent Peter Strzok's lawsuit, which claimed his firing was politically motivated by the Trump administration. The U.S. government, under the Biden administration, paid Strzok $1.2 million concerning the release of his text messages. Separately, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's potential primary challenges were discussed, with historical parallels drawn to past New York senatorial primary contests. On the international front, an F-15E fighter jet reportedly attempted to shoot down an Iranian drone using a laser-guided bomb during a significant aerial engagement over Israel. The pilot described the event as resembling a "Star Wars" scene. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent criticized Senator Elizabeth Warren's economic policies, comparing them to a "failed leftist agenda" and inviting her to participate in a Treasury financial literacy program. Domestically, Democrats are reportedly facing numerous competitive Senate primaries, a situation viewed favorably by Republicans, who suggest the era of party-backed "coronations" is ending. Senators like Tina Smith and Andy Kim have expressed varying views on the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's role in endorsing candidates. Separately, Senator Chuck Grassley reported that HHS is parting ways with a contractor that failed to properly operate the National Human Trafficking Hotline, following his oversight actions. The National Guard's A-10 flying mission in Maryland was also inactivated, leaving the state without a National Guard flying mission, as reported by WBALTV 11 News on September 23rd, 2025.
