Life Sentence for Ryan Routh After Attempted Assassination of President Trump

In a landmark federal court ruling, Ryan Routh, 59, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump during a golf outing in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 15 September 2024. The sentence, delivered by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, brings closure to a case that prosecutors described as one of the most serious threats to a presidential candidate in modern American history.

A Premeditated Plot Uncovered

According to court findings, Routh spent weeks planning the attack, travelling to Florida roughly a month before the incident and tracking the president’s movements. On the day of the attempt, he concealed himself in dense shrubbery near the fifth hole of the Trump International Golf Club, armed with an assault-style rifle, body armour plates, and a video camera pointed at the course.

Secret Service agents testified that they spotted Routh before President Trump came into view. When confronted, Routh aimed his rifle at an agent, prompting agents to open fire. He dropped the weapon and fled, but was arrested shortly afterwards. Investigators later confirmed he had waited in the bushes for nearly 10 hours.

Courtroom Turmoil and Trial History

Routh was convicted in September 2025 on five federal charges, including attempted assassination, illegal firearm possession, and assaulting a federal officer. He initially represented himself during the trial, delivering erratic statements and even attempting to stab himself in the neck with a pen after the guilty verdict was read.

Judge Cannon later appointed a defence attorney for the sentencing phase, though she criticised Routh’s earlier filings as a “disrespectful charade.”

Judge’s Ruling: “A Calculated Plot to Take a Human Life”

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Cannon condemned the assassination attempt as “evil” and “a premeditated, calculated plot to take a human life.” She emphasised that Routh had shown no remorse, noting that he remained “totally unrepentant” throughout the proceedings.

Prosecutors argued that Routh’s actions were intended to “upend democracy”, stressing that political grievances cannot be settled with violence. They urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, citing the months-long planning and Routh’s willingness to kill anyone who stood in his way.

Defence Plea Rejected

Routh’s court‑appointed attorney, Martin Roth, requested a 27‑year sentence, arguing that Routh’s age—nearing 60—meant a life sentence would guarantee he died in prison. Roth described his client as a “complex person” with a “good core,” insisting that Routh ultimately chose not to pull the trigger. Judge Cannon rejected the plea, stating the severity of the crime demanded a harsher penalty.

Context: A Second Attempt on Trump’s Life in 2024

The assassination attempt occurred just two months after President Trump survived another attack at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. Both incidents took place during the heated run‑up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which Trump went on to win.

Aftermath and Next Steps

Routh addressed the court during sentencing, delivering a rambling speech referencing foreign conflicts and human rights. Judge Cannon cut him off, deeming his remarks irrelevant. Routh’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the sentence.

The case has reignited national debate over political violence, security protocols for high‑profile officials, and the broader climate of extremism in American politics.