Man Who Tried to Shoot Trump at Florida Golf Course Gets Life in Prison

Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempted assassination of former president

Published on Feb. 5, 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 furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, and other charges. The judge called Routh's plot "deliberate and evil" and said he has "near-total disregard for the law."

Why it matters

The attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate is a serious threat to American democracy, as the U.S. Attorney General noted. This case highlights the need for robust security measures and the consequences for those who seek to undermine the democratic process through violence.

The details

Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the Republican presidential candidate played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent helping protect Trump spotted Routh and opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and run away without firing a shot.

  • Routh was convicted in September 2026.
  • Routh was sentenced on February 5, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024.

Aileen Cannon

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

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."

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 (kpua.net)

“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 (kpua.net)

“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 (kpua.net)

What’s next

The judge's life sentence for Routh ensures he will never be released from prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the grave threat that political violence poses to American democracy, and the need for robust security measures and severe consequences for those who seek to undermine the democratic process through such means.