Who is Ryan Routh? Man sentenced to life in prison for attempted assassination of President Trump

The man convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump while he played golf in Florida has now been sentenced to life behind bars. The case, which stunned the nation during the 2024 campaign season, centered on a narrowly averted attack at one of Trump’s own golf courses. Federal prosecutors called the plot calculated and deliberate, while the defense argued no one was physically harmed. A federal judge ultimately agreed with prosecutors, handing down the maximum punishment.

What Happened at Trump’s Florida Golf Course?

Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump while the then-presidential nominee was golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in September 2024. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh’s firearm and fired, forcing him to flee before anyone was injured, as per a report by USA Today.


The incident occurred just months after another assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a campaign rally.

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Why Did Prosecutors Push for Life in Prison?

Prosecutors sought the harshest sentence available, arguing that Routh " 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.”

They emphasized that the attack was only narrowly prevented and that intent, not outcome, was central to the case, as per a report by Forbes.

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How Did Routh Defend His Actions?

Routh, originally from North Carolina, fired his attorneys before trial and represented himself in court. He claimed his actions amounted to a peaceful protest and told jurors he was incapable of pulling the trigger, saying he was guilty only of “caring too much.”

“To merely have a weapon in the presence of another is not intent,” Routh told the court, as per a report by USA Today.

His attorney had argued for a 27-year sentence, citing that no one was hurt, but the court rejected that request.

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What Were the Convictions and Courtroom Fallout?

A federal jury convicted Routh on Sept. 23 of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm offenses. Attempted assassination alone carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

After his conviction, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen inside the courtroom. He was not seriously injured and was briefly removed. He later asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon for a “just punishment,” hoping to avoid life in prison. The request was denied.

FAQs

What sentence did Ryan Routh receive?

He was sentenced to life in prison for attempted assassination and related charges.

Was President Trump injured in the incident?

No, a Secret Service agent intervened before Routh could fire.