Man Sentenced to Life for Attempted Trump Assassination

Ryan Routh convicted of hiding in bushes and aiming rifle at then-candidate Trump in 2024

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 when Trump was a presidential candidate. Routh was convicted of hiding in the bushes at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida and aiming a military-grade rifle at Trump and a Secret Service agent. Prosecutors argued Routh deserved a life sentence for his 'careful plotting, extensive premeditation, and a cowardly disregard for human life' in trying to prevent the American people from electing their chosen candidate.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence and extremism in the United States, as well as the challenges of ensuring the safety of political candidates and elected officials. It also raises questions about mental health, gun control, and the criminal justice system's ability to address such serious crimes.

The details

Routh, who was found to have bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, was convicted in September 2026 after representing himself at trial. When the verdict was read, he stabbed himself in the neck with a pen. Prosecutors argued Routh deserved a life sentence, saying his crimes 'reflected careful plotting, extensive premeditation, and a cowardly disregard for human life' in trying to prevent the American people from electing their chosen candidate. 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'.

  • In September 2024, Routh hid in the bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and aimed a military-grade SKS rifle at Trump, who was then a presidential candidate, and a Secret Service agent.
  • In September 2026, Routh was convicted of the attempted assassination attempt.
  • On February 4, 2026, Routh was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 60-year-old man convicted of an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in 2024 when Trump was a presidential candidate. Routh was found to have bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was the target of Routh's attempted assassination in 2024 when Trump was running for a second term as 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 after his conviction and argued he didn't get a fair trial because he represented himself.

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What they’re saying

“Routh's crimes undeniably warrant a life sentence — he took steps over the course of months to assassinate a major presidential candidate, demonstrated the will to kill anybody in the way, and has since expressed neither regret nor remorse to his victims.”

— Prosecutors

“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

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

— Adam Routh, Routh's son

“committed to assisting him with his rehabilitative efforts.”

— Nancy Meyers, Routh's sister

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Routh to be placed in a prison in North Carolina as requested by his sister.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence and extremism in the United States, as well as the challenges of ensuring the safety of political candidates and elected officials. It also raises questions about mental health, gun control, and the criminal justice system's ability to address such serious crimes.