Man Sentenced to Life for Trying to Assassinate Trump at Golf Course

Ryan Routh convicted of attempted assassination of former president in 2024

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A man named Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida in 2024. 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, possessing a firearm as a felon, and using a gun with a defaced serial number.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious threat of political violence and the need to protect democratic institutions and processes, even from those with a history of criminal behavior and disdain for elected officials.

The details

According to prosecutors, Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the former Republican presidential candidate played golf on September 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. Routh had multiple previous felony convictions, including possession of stolen goods, and a large online footprint demonstrating his disdain for Trump. In a self-published book, he even encouraged Iran to assassinate the former president.

  • Routh was convicted in September 2026.
  • Routh was 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.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt in 2024.

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."

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 (pennlive.com)

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

— Martin L. Roth, Routh's Defense Attorney (pennlive.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 (pennlive.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ryan Routh out on bail pending any appeals.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of political violence and the need for robust security measures to protect elected officials and the democratic process, even from those with a history of criminal behavior and extreme political views.