A Florida man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a 2024 incident at a golf course has been sentenced to life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon handed down the sentence to Ryan Routh in Fort Pierce on Wednesday. Prosecutors had argued that Routh showed no remorse and deserved life without parole, while his defense team sought a lesser sentence, citing his age and lack of prior violent offenses. In addition to the life term, Routh received a seven-year sentence related to one of his firearms convictions.
News outlets have reached out to the White House and the Department of Justice for comment on the case.
Trial Timeline and Proceedings
Routh’s federal trial began in September 2025 in Fort Pierce, Florida, nearly a year after his arrest. Jury selection was followed by opening statements before Judge Cannon. Routh chose to represent himself during the trial, with standby counsel present. Prosecutors presented evidence that he had plotted for weeks to target Trump during the 2024 campaign. His online activity and writings became a major focus, drawing attention from news outlets across the country, with some reporting on the interruption of major networks during trial coverage (CNN halted for breaking news alert, Fox News hosts give Trump alarming wake-up).
Motive Behind the Assassination Attempt
According to court documents, Routh was motivated by opposition to Trump’s potential return to the presidency. Prosecutors cited his online activity, writings, and surveillance of Trump’s schedule as proof of a politically driven plot. Routh claimed he did not intend to fire a weapon and that his actions were meant as a form of protest, a defense the jury ultimately rejected. Some reports even noted that concerns about Trump’s safety intersected with ongoing speculation about his health (Trump health fears soar as doctor issues warning).
Conviction and Courtroom Incident
Routh was convicted on September 23, 2025, on all counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer, and multiple firearms violations. The verdict came after roughly two hours of jury deliberation. Immediately after the verdict was read, Routh attempted to harm himself in the courtroom and was restrained by U.S. marshals.
Family Reactions
Sara Ellen Routh, his daughter, attended parts of the trial and appeared visibly emotional after the guilty verdict. She has publicly defended her father, disputing the prosecution’s portrayal of his actions, while also criticizing aspects of the legal process. Beyond her public statements, little else about her personal life has been disclosed.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
The incident that led to Routh’s conviction occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prosecutors said Routh hid in bushes near the course and aimed a rifle through a fence as Trump played golf. A Secret Service agent spotted him before Trump came into view, fired warning shots, and forced Routh to flee without ever discharging his weapon. The event sparked widespread coverage and analysis in major outlets, with some highlighting the broader political context and historical precedents (Russia mocks Trump over latest Epstein files, WW3 fears as Putin puppet issues warning).
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