Man Sentenced to Life for Attempted Trump Assassination

Ryan Routh convicted of hiding in bushes at Trump golf club and pointing rifle at then-candidate Trump

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Ryan Routh, 60, was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years for an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in 2024. Routh was convicted of hiding in bushes at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach and pointing a military-grade rifle at Trump, who was then a presidential candidate. Prosecutors argued Routh deserved a life sentence for his "careful plotting, extensive premeditation, and a cowardly disregard for human life."

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence and the need for robust security measures to protect political leaders, even during campaigns. It also raises questions about mental health issues and whether the criminal justice system is equipped to properly address them in high-profile cases.

The details

Routh, who represented himself at trial, was convicted in September 2025 of the attempted assassination. After the verdict was read, he stabbed himself in the neck with a pen. Prosecutors argued Routh's motive was to "prevent the American people from electing the candidate of their choice for President." Routh's family submitted letters of support, with his son saying he "wants to move forward in the right way" and his sister asking the court to consider placing him in a North Carolina prison to assist with his "rehabilitative efforts."

  • Routh attempted the assassination in September 2024 while Trump was a presidential candidate.
  • Routh was convicted in September 2025.
  • Routh was sentenced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 60-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt in 2024 while he was a presidential candidate.

Aileen Cannon

The judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison plus seven years, calling him an "evil" man.

Martin Roth

The court-appointed attorney who represented Routh and argued he didn't get a fair trial because he represented himself.

Adam Routh

Ryan Routh's son, who wrote a letter of support saying his father "wants to move forward in the right way."

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What they’re saying

“Defendant recognizes that he was found guilty by the jury but asserts that the jury was misled by his inability to effectively confront witnesses, use exhibits, or affirmatively introduce impeachment evidence designed to prove his lack of intent to cause injury to anyone.”

— Martin Roth, Routh's court-appointed attorney (upi.com)

“we still need him, and he still has people who love and support him.”

— Adam Routh, Ryan Routh's son (upi.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence and the need for robust security measures to protect political leaders, even during campaigns. It also raises questions about mental health issues and whether the criminal justice system is equipped to properly address them in high-profile cases.