Man Convicted of Trying to Assassinate Trump Gets Life in Prison

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for failed 2024 attempt on former president's life at Florida golf course

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A man convicted of trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Routh was found guilty on all counts, including attempting to kill a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in a crime, and other charges. The judge called Routh's plot "deliberate and evil" and said he showed "near-total disregard for the law."

Why it matters

This case highlights the threat of political violence and the need to protect democratic institutions and processes, even in the face of those who seek to undermine them through violent means. The sentencing sends a strong message that such attacks on the political system will not be tolerated.

The details

Routh was convicted of aiming a rifle at Trump as the former president played golf at his West Palm Beach country club in September 2024. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh and opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Prosecutors said Routh had spent weeks plotting the assassination attempt.

  • Routh's assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024.
  • Routh was convicted and sentenced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump in 2024. Routh has a history of prior felony convictions and had expressed disdain for Trump online.

Aileen Cannon

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison plus an additional 7 years on a gun charge.

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who thanked prosecutors for ensuring Routh "will never walk free again" in a statement on the social platform X.

John Shipley

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who argued that Routh's crime was unacceptable "in this country or anywhere."

Martin L. Roth

Routh's defense attorney who argued that "at the moment of truth, he chose not to pull the trigger."

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What they’re saying

“American democracy does not work when individuals take it into their own hands to eliminate candidates. That's what this individual tried to do”

— John Shipley, Assistant U.S. Attorney (chicagotribune.com)

“He's a complex person, I'll give the court that, but he has a very good core.”

— Martin L. Roth, Defense Attorney (chicagotribune.com)

“Your plot to kill was deliberate and evil. You are not a peaceful man. You are not a good man.”

— Aileen Cannon, U.S. District Judge (chicagotribune.com)

“Ryan Routh's heinous attempted assassination of President Trump was not only an attack on our President — it was a direct assault against our entire democratic system.”

— Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Routh to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 7 years on a gun charge, marks the end of the legal proceedings in this case.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect the democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power, even in the face of those who seek to undermine it through violence. It underscores the importance of a strong and independent judicial system in safeguarding the foundations of American democracy.