Ryan Routh Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2024 Attempt on Donald Trump

2026-02-05 politics

West Palm Beach, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Sentenced to life for the 2024 Trump assassination attempt, Routh’s case concluded dramatically after he previously represented himself and attempted self-harm in court following the guilty verdict.

Judicial Conclusion to the 2024 Security Breach

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon formally sentenced Ryan Routh to life in prison, adding a mandatory consecutive seven-year term for a firearm offense [3][4]. The sentencing took place in federal court, finalizing the legal consequences for the September 15, 2024, incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Routh attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, who was then the Republican presidential nominee and has since returned to the presidency [5][8]. Judge Cannon described the event as a “premeditated, calculated plot to take a human life,” rejecting the defense’s characterization of Routh’s actions [8]. This sentence aligns with the prosecution’s recommendation, which argued that Routh intended a “cold-blooded killing” designed to upend the democratic process [4].

Timeline of the Attempt and Arrest

The conviction stems from events that unfolded less than two months before the 2024 U.S. election [8]. On the day of the incident, Secret Service agents discovered Routh hiding in the shrubbery near the golf course with a semi-automatic rifle, a scope, and an extended magazine [6][8]. An agent engaged Routh after spotting the weapon’s barrel, prompting him to flee the scene before being apprehended by authorities shortly thereafter [5][6]. This event marked the second attempt on Donald Trump’s life in 2024, following a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, two months prior in July [5][8]. Routh, a 59-year-old native of North Carolina, was subsequently convicted in September 2025 on five criminal counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer [5][8].

Courtroom Volatility and Self-Representation

The legal proceedings leading to this week’s sentencing were characterized by Routh’s erratic behavior and unorthodox legal strategy. Routh elected to fire his attorneys and represent himself during the trial which began on September 8, 2025 [5][6]. During the proceedings, he challenged Donald Trump to a game of golf and made disjointed references to historical and geopolitical figures, including Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin [6]. The tension in the courtroom culminated dramatically following the guilty verdict last year; after the jury delivered its decision, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen before being restrained and removed by U.S. Marshals [4][6]. Prosecutors highlighted this lack of remorse, noting that Routh remained “totally unrepentant” throughout the process [6].

Political Reactions and Future Appeals

During the sentencing hearing, Routh’s attorney, Martin Roth—who represented him during this phase—argued for a lighter sentence of 20 years plus the mandatory seven-year firearm penalty, asserting that Routh “decided not to pull the trigger” [4]. However, the court sided with the prosecution’s assessment of the threat level. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement following the sentencing, classifying the attempt as a “direct assault against our entire democratic system” [8]. While Routh has been sentenced to spend the remainder of his life in federal custody, his legal team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction and sentence [6][8]. The conclusion of this case closes a significant chapter in the security challenges that plagued the 2024 election cycle.

Sources

Political violence Judicial ruling