The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Routh Convicted on ALL Charges, POTUS Reacts plus Massive “Swatting” Network BUSTED!
Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Platform: Premiere Networks

Overview

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson delivers rapid-fire coverage of two major political stories:

1. The conviction of Ryan Routh for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, including Trump’s direct reaction to the verdict.
2. The Secret Service busting a vast telecommunications network tied to coordinated swatting attacks against conservative figures, with potential implications for national security.

Ben brings his signature blend of detailed reporting, behind-the-scenes context, and direct audio from key newsmakers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Routh Conviction – Attempted Trump Assassination

[05:36–10:25]

Background on the Case

• Defendant: Ryan Routh

• Crimes/Charges: Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate (Donald Trump), assaulting a federal officer, multiple firearms violations (including possessing a firearm with a removed serial number).

• Incident:

  • Occurred on September 15, previous year, at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf course while Trump was present.
  • Routh found with a semi-automatic rifle after doing prior surveillance and using burner phones.
  • Flight from Secret Service led to arrest.

• Trial Notes:

  • Routh represented himself in court and argued he never intended harm (“He literally represented himself at trial. He argued in closing that he didn’t intend to kill anyone and that no shots were ever fired.” [06:46])
  • Jury deliberated less than three hours, returning guilty on all federal counts.

• Dramatic Courtroom Moment:

  • After verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen in court, but was restrained by U.S. Marshals.
  • His daughter, present in court, shouted emotional pleas:
    • “dad, I love you. Don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.” [08:43]

• Sentencing: Scheduled for December 18; Routh faces life in prison.

Trump Responds to Verdict

[08:02–08:43]

• Trump, while at the United Nations, praised the justice process:

  “I'm very appreciative of the justice that was given and the way it was handled by Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche and everybody that it's been and their team of people. It was really well handled and it's very important. You can't let things like that happen. Nothing to do with me but a president or even a person. You can't allow that to happen…” (Donald Trump, [08:09]).

• Ben notes Trump did not mention or was not asked about Routh’s suicide attempt.

Ben’s Analysis

• Emphasizes need for political candidates’ safety:

  “We must stop having this type of violence in this country.” [10:20]

• Expectation of appeal noted, with advice that Routh may seek proper representation next time.

2. Massive “Swatting” Network Busted – Threat to Conservative Figures

[10:25–16:19]

Overview of Threat

• What is Swatting?
  Fake, emergency (e.g., hostage) calls placed to law enforcement, sending SWAT teams to innocent targets—typically prominent conservatives or commentators, risking their lives.

• Network Details:

  • Over 100,000 SIM cards and 300 servers seized in NY area, believed controlled by foreign actors.
  • Network was used for “swatting” calls targeting figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen. Rick Scott, Nikki Haley, and Trump cabinet members.
  • Hardware capable of disrupting NYC cellular service—potential national security risk.

Official Secret Service Statement

[13:02–15:53]
Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge, NY Field Office:

“The investigation led us to the New York Tri State area where investigators discovered tens of thousands of co-located and network cellular devices capable of carrying out nefarious telecommunications attacks. These devices allowed anonymous encrypted communications between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises…” [13:41]

“This network had the potential to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City. ... Given the sensitivity and complexity of this investigation, we are not able to go into specifics at this time. This is an open and active investigation and we have no arrest to announce today.” [14:28, 15:40]

• Secret Service coordination included Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Justice, and NYPD.
• Seizure preempted possible attacks during the UN General Assembly.
• Investigation ongoing, no arrests yet.

Ben’s Commentary

• Highlights professional, “non-amateur” sophistication of the seized equipment.
• Emphasizes the strategic threat to New York’s cellular infrastructure and the serious, organized intent behind these criminal acts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On judicial process:

  “It was so professionally handled and it's great honor.”
  — Donald Trump ([08:34])

• Dramatic courtroom scene:

  “After the jurors exit...Ruth attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen, prompting those marshals to drag him out of the courthouse. ... His daughter screamed, ‘dad, I love you. Don't do anything...He didn't hurt anybody.’” ([08:43])

• On the swatting network’s threat:

  "This network had the potential to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City."
  — Matt McCool, Secret Service ([14:28])

• Ben on broader implications:

  “This is not amateur and part of the reason why I think they're making it so clear how big of an issue this was and what was happening.” ([16:19])

Important Timestamps

• [05:36] – Breakdown of Ryan Routh’s charges and trial highlights
• [08:02] – Trump’s first reaction to the conviction
• [08:43] – Courtroom incident: Routh’s suicide attempt, daughter’s reaction
• [10:25] – Transition to swatting story: explanation and background
• [13:02] – Matt McCool’s Secret Service announcement on network takedown
• [14:28] – Key quotes on scope and potential threat of the busted network
• [16:19] – Ben’s closing analysis on the sophistication of the operation

Tone and Style

• Ben Ferguson’s tone is brisk, urgent, and direct. He emphasizes the implications of political violence and cybercrime for American democracy.
• President Trump’s statement strikes a tone of gratitude toward the justice system and broader concern for candidate safety, “not for me but...for every political candidate.”
• Secret Service communications are measured but grave, highlighting the seriousness of the swatting threat.

Summary

This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents two urgent developments with lasting impact on American political and cyber security. Ben Ferguson breaks down the historic conviction of Ryan Routh, including an emotional courtroom aftermath and President Trump’s reaction, illustrating the ongoing threats to political figures. The episode’s second major story uncovers a shocking swatting operation capable of crippling New York’s communications infrastructure—a plot swiftly intercepted by the Secret Service. With exclusive official statements and Ben’s pointed analysis, listeners get a front-row seat to news that could shape both politics and national security in 2025.