Man Sentenced to Life for Foiled Trump Assassination Attempt

Ryan Wesley Routh received life plus 7 years for plotting to kill the former president at his Florida golf course

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, was sentenced to life in federal prison plus an additional 7 years for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in 2024. Routh was convicted on five federal counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault of a federal officer, and several firearms offenses. Prosecutors presented evidence of Routh's months of planning, including a sniper-like perch along the golf course fence, a rifle with a scope, and a camera pointed at the sixth green.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence in the U.S. and the need for robust security measures to protect public figures, especially at high-profile events and venues. The sentencing sends a strong message against such attacks and the importance of multi-agency coordination in thwarting them.

The details

According to the Justice Department, Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump during a round of golf at Trump International Golf Club in September 2024. Prosecutors presented evidence of Routh's extensive planning, including a Norinco SKS-style rifle with a scope, a loaded magazine, steel armor plates, and a camera mounted on the fence and pointed at the sixth green. Routh's arrest was ultimately triggered by a Secret Service agent who spotted the concealed rifle and intervened before any shots were fired.

  • In September 2024, Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course.
  • On February 9, 2026, Routh was sentenced to life in federal prison plus an additional 7 years.

The players

Ryan Wesley Routh

A 59-year-old man who was convicted and sentenced to life in federal prison plus an additional 7 years for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in 2024.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Aileen M. Cannon

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced Routh to life in prison plus an additional 7 years, stating that prosecutors had shown Routh's months of planning and stash of gear at the scene made him a continuing threat to public safety.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said its West Palm Beach field division contributed crime-gun intelligence and that its specialists examined explosive-device components seized during a later search, indicating that further investigations and security reviews may be conducted at venues that host public figures.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of political violence in the U.S. and the need for robust security measures to protect public figures, especially at high-profile events and venues. The sentencing sends a strong message against such attacks and the importance of multi-agency coordination in thwarting them.