Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempted Assassination of Trump

Ryan Routh convicted of trying to shoot former president during 2024 golf outing

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday. Ryan Routh aimed a rifle at Trump during a round of golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, but was thwarted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee.

Why it matters

The attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate is an extremely serious crime that threatens the foundations of American democracy. This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public officials and the need for vigilance in protecting elected leaders from harm.

The details

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Routh, saying he "remains unrepentant for his crimes, never apologized for the lives he put at risk, and his life demonstrates near-total disregard for law." Routh's defense attorney had argued for a 27-year sentence, saying "a just punishment would provide a sentence long enough to impose sufficient but not excessive punishment, and to allow defendant to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison." Routh was convicted on charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, and possessing a firearm as a felon.

  • On September 15, 2024, Routh aimed a rifle at Trump as he played golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
  • On February 5, 2026, Routh was sentenced to life in prison for the attempted assassination.

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.

Donald Trump

The former president who was the target of Routh's attempted assassination.

Martin Roth

The defense attorney who argued for a 27-year sentence for Routh.

Secret Service agent

The agent who spotted Routh and opened fire, causing him to drop his weapon and flee.

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What they’re saying

“The heinous nature of this assassination attempt—his selfish, violent decision to prevent the American voters from electing President Trump by killing him first—that warrants severe criminal punishment.”

— Prosecutors (NBC News)

“The defendant is two weeks short of being sixty years old. A just punishment would provide a sentence long enough to impose sufficient but not excessive punishment, and to allow defendant to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison.”

— Martin Roth, Defense attorney (Court filing)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Routh to life in prison is expected to be upheld on appeal, given the severity of the crime and the overwhelming evidence against him.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to political leaders and the critical importance of robust security measures to protect elected officials and the democratic process. It also highlights the need for the justice system to hold those who attempt to subvert democracy accountable through the harshest possible sentences.