A federal judge sentenced Ryan Routh to life in prison on Wednesday (February 4) for his 2024 attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach, Florida, golf club. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon concludes a high-profile case that began when Routh, a former roofing contractor from North Carolina, plotted for weeks and set up a sniper’s hide near the golf course where President Trump was playing on September 15, 2024.
Routh was convicted last September on five counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and multiple firearm-related charges. Evidence presented at trial showed Routh traveled from North Carolina to Florida, scouting the location and living out of his vehicle before positioning himself with an illegal military-style rifle. Secret Service agents testified that they spotted Routh before President Trump came into view; when confronted, Routh aimed his weapon at an agent, who fired and forced him to flee without firing a shot.
Prosecutors argued in court filings that Routh showed no remorse for his actions and posed a continued threat, urging Judge Cannon to “send a message that seeking to assassinate a Presidential candidate will result in the most severe punishment.” The defense, represented by attorney Martin Roth during the sentencing phase, requested a lesser sentence of 27 years, citing Routh’s age—he is just shy of 60—and mental health concerns, but the judge denied this request.
Routh’s trial was marked by chaos and erratic behavior. While representing himself, Routh frequently clashed with Judge Cannon and, following the guilty verdict in September, attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen in court before being subdued by marshals. He later apologized to the judge for “the nuisance of the trial,” acknowledging his courtroom actions.
Routh’s assassination attempt came just two months after President Trump survived a separate attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, when another assailant wounded him with a gunshot to the ear.
Recent Comments