Man Sentenced to Life for Attempted Assassination of Trump

Ryan Routh convicted of trying to kill former president at Florida golf course

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced to life in prison by a federal judge. Ryan Routh was found guilty on all counts, including trying to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, and other charges. Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting the attack before aiming a rifle at Trump during a golf outing, but was stopped by a Secret Service agent before he could fire.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence and the need to protect democratic institutions and processes, even from those who seek to undermine them through extreme measures. The sentencing sends a strong message that such attacks on elected officials 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 on September 15, 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 was convicted in September 2025.
  • Routh was sentenced to life in prison on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024. Routh had multiple prior felony convictions and a history of expressing disdain for Trump online.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt while playing golf at his West Palm Beach country club.

Aileen Cannon

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

John Shipley

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

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who thanked prosecutors for ensuring Routh "will never walk free again."

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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

“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 (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case has sentenced Routh to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 7 years on a gun charge. Routh will spend the rest of his life behind bars for his attempted assassination of the former president.

The takeaway

This sentencing underscores the gravity of attacks on democratic institutions and the rule of law. It serves as a stark warning that such acts of political violence will be met with the full force of the justice system, in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power.