Man Convicted of Attempting to Assassinate Trump Files Appeal

Ryan Routh seeks to overturn life sentence and conviction for 2024 incident at Trump golf course

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Ryan Routh, who was convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024, has filed an appeal of his life sentence and conviction. Routh was found guilty of hiding near a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida and aiming a military-grade rifle at Trump before being apprehended by Secret Service agents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing security concerns and threats facing high-profile political figures, even after they have left office. The appeal could set a precedent for how the justice system handles such serious assassination attempts against candidates and former presidents.

The details

In September 2024, Routh, 60, hid in the bushes at Trump International Golf Club and pointed an SKS rifle towards Trump, who was then a presidential candidate running for a second term. A Secret Service agent witnessed Routh's actions and he was quickly apprehended. Routh was convicted in October on five charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate. He was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional seven years.

  • In September 2024, Routh hid near the 6th hole of Trump's golf course and aimed a rifle at the then-candidate.
  • Routh was convicted in October 2024 on all five charges related to the assassination attempt.
  • On February 4, 2026, Routh was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional seven years.
  • On February 16, 2026, Routh filed an appeal of his conviction and life sentence.

The players

Ryan Routh

A 60-year-old man convicted of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024.

Donald Trump

The former president who was the target of Routh's assassination attempt while running for a second term in 2024.

Robert Fercano

A Secret Service agent who testified that he witnessed Routh hiding near the golf course and aiming a rifle at Trump.

Martin L. Roth

The attorney who filed the appeal on Routh's behalf, arguing that the conviction was flawed.

John Shipley

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case against Routh.

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What they’re saying

“This is as far [from] peaceful assembly as you can imagine. Peaceful protest is one thing. An assassination attempt is another.”

— John Shipley, Assistant U.S. Attorney (UPI)

“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.”

— John Shipley, Assistant U.S. Attorney (UPI)

“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 L. Roth, Routh's Attorney (UPI)

What’s next

The U.S. Court of Appeals will now consider Routh's appeal of his conviction and life sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing security risks and threats facing high-profile political figures, even after they have left office. Routh's appeal could set an important precedent for how the justice system handles such serious assassination attempts against candidates and former presidents.