Man Sentenced to Life in Prison 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 trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. Ryan Routh was found guilty on all counts and the judge said his 'plot to kill was deliberate and evil'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the gravity of attempts to undermine the democratic process through violence. The sentencing sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and will face severe consequences.

The details

Routh was convicted of 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. Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle at him during a golf outing at Trump's West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh and opened fire, causing him to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.

  • Routh's assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024.
  • Routh was convicted by a jury 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.

Aileen Cannon

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison.

John Shipley

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case against Routh.

Martin L. Roth

Routh's defense attorney who argued for a 20-year sentence.

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 (boston.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 (boston.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 (boston.com)

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Routh to life in prison without parole ensures he will never be released and pose a threat to the public again.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the democratic process and the rule of law. Attempts to subvert the electoral system through violence will be met with the full force of the justice system.