A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump during a 2024 incident at a Florida golf course was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon imposed the sentence on Ryan Routh in Fort Pierce, months after a chaotic courtroom scene following his conviction on multiple federal charges. Prosecutors argued Routh showed no remorse and deserved life without parole, while defense lawyers sought a far shorter sentence, citing his age and lack of prior violent offenses.
Prosecutors said Routh was driven by
opposition to Trump’s return to the presidency and sought to prevent voters from electing him again. Court filings and testimony pointed to Routh’s writings, internet activity and surveillance of Trump’s schedule as evidence of a politically motivated plot. Routh denied that he intended to fire his weapon and argued his actions were a form of protest, a claim the jury rejected.