Man Sentenced to Life for Attempted Trump Assassination

Ryan Routh convicted of trying to kill former President Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 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 dangers of political violence and the need to protect democratic institutions. Attempts to eliminate candidates through extralegal means undermine the foundations of American democracy.

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 to life in prison on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

A man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump 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."

Donald Trump

The former President who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“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

What’s next

The judge's life sentence for Routh effectively ends the legal proceedings in this case.

The takeaway

This sentencing underscores the gravity of political violence and the need to protect democratic processes, even in the face of deep political divisions. It serves as a stark reminder that attempts to subvert the will of the electorate through extralegal means will be met with the full force of the law.