Florida Court Imposes Life Sentence for Attempted Trump Assassination
Ryan Routh has been sentenced to life in prison for his attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in September 2024. The sentencing was delivered on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by US District Judge Aileen Cannon in Fort Pierce, Florida, following Routh's conviction on five criminal counts last September.
Judge Declares Plot Was Premeditated and Calculated
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Cannon firmly rejected Routh's assertions that he never intended to kill Trump. "It's clear to me that you engaged in a premeditated, calculated plot to take a human life," Cannon stated while delivering the life sentence. The judge, who was appointed by Trump, emphasized the gravity of the offense and the need for maximum punishment.
Federal prosecutors had strongly advocated for a life sentence, arguing that Routh's actions were aimed at "upending American democracy" through political violence. Assistant US Attorney John Shipley highlighted that the case required sending a powerful message that violence targeting elected leaders would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Routh's Defense and Courtroom Statements
Routh, who represented himself during the trial, had requested a 27-year prison term instead of life imprisonment. In court, shackled and wearing beige prison clothing, he delivered a rambling statement that focused on foreign conflicts and suggested he should be exchanged for political prisoners abroad. "I have given every drop of who I am every day for the betterment of my community and this nation," he told the court.
In his court filings, Routh denied any intent to kill Trump and expressed willingness to undergo psychological treatment while incarcerated. He also claimed that jurors were misled because he was unable to mount an adequate legal defense. Prosecutors countered these arguments by pointing out that Routh showed no remorse and had meticulously planned the attack for months, demonstrating readiness to kill anyone who interfered.
Details of the September 2024 Incident
The attempted assassination occurred on September 15, 2024, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents spotted Routh hiding in thick bushes just a few hundred yards from Trump as the former president played golf. Routh fled the scene, leaving behind an assault-style rifle, but was later apprehended by authorities.
Investigators revealed that Routh had waited nearly 10 hours in the bushes and left behind several items, including:
- Body armour-like metal plates
- A video camera pointed at the golf course
- Multiple bags containing personal items
Trial evidence further showed that Routh carried six mobile phones and used fake names to conceal his identity while tracking Trump's movements in the lead-up to the attack.
Second Assassination Attempt During 2024 Campaign
This Florida incident marked the second assassination attempt against Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Just two months earlier, in July 2024, a gunman fired a shot that grazed Trump's ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Both attacks occurred in the run-up to the November 2024 presidential election, which Trump ultimately won after previously losing to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.
Trump later made these assassination attempts a campaign issue, accusing the Biden administration's Justice Department of failing to ensure his safety during the election period.
Additional Convictions and Courtroom Drama
Beyond the attempted assassination conviction, Routh was found guilty on three counts of illegal firearm possession and one count of impeding a federal officer during his arrest. At the time of the incident, he had been living in Hawaii, having previously resided in North Carolina.
The trial featured significant courtroom drama, including Routh's decision to dismiss his lawyers and represent himself. He delivered a meandering opening statement that touched on topics ranging from human evolution to American history before being cut short by Judge Cannon. After the jury delivered its verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself with a pen and had to be restrained by US marshals. His daughter shouted in court that her father had not hurt anyone and vowed to secure his freedom.
Trump's Reaction to the Verdict
Donald Trump welcomed the sentencing outcome in a post on his Truth Social platform, calling Routh "an evil man with an evil intention" and praising law enforcement for preventing the attack. The former president's response highlighted the ongoing political tensions surrounding the case and its implications for national security.
The sentencing concludes a high-profile case that has drawn attention to security concerns for political figures and the legal consequences of attempted political violence in the United States.
