Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Trump Assassination Attempt

Ryan Routh received a life sentence plus 7 years for plotting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ryan Routh, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024, has been sentenced to life in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the sentence, also imposing a mandatory consecutive seven-year term tied to a firearms conviction.

Why it matters

The sentencing highlights the gravity of the threat posed by the assassination attempt against a major presidential candidate, as well as the government's commitment to prosecuting such serious crimes to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect public safety.

The details

The September 2024 incident unfolded at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Trial testimony revealed that a U.S. Secret Service agent spotted Routh hiding in shrubbery before Trump came into view. Routh aimed a rifle toward the agent but dropped the weapon and fled after the agent opened fire. He was arrested shortly afterward on a nearby highway. Prosecutors argued that federal sentencing guidelines justified life behind bars, emphasizing that Routh spent months planning the attack and showed no remorse.

  • The September 2024 incident occurred at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
  • Routh was sentenced on February 5, 2026.

The players

Ryan Routh

The 59-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Aileen Cannon

The U.S. District Judge who delivered the life sentence to Routh.

Donald Trump

The then-presidential candidate who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge's decision to impose the harshest possible sentence reflects the gravity of the threat posed by the assassination attempt and the government's commitment to protecting public safety.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of safeguarding political leaders and the democratic process from extremist threats, as well as the need for robust security measures and strong prosecution of such crimes to deter future attacks.