Photo: NICOLAS GARCIA / AFP / Getty Images
A man convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024 has been sentenced to life in federal prison.
Ryan Routh appeared in court Wednesday (January 4) before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon in Fort Pierce, where the judge imposed the maximum sentence after prosecutors pushed for life behind bars.
Routh was found guilty last September on multiple charges, including attempting to kill a presidential candidate and several firearm offenses. Following the verdict, his courtroom erupted into disorder when he attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen before being restrained by officers.
Originally scheduled for December, Routh’s sentencing was delayed after he chose to hire legal counsel rather than continue representing himself.
In court filings, federal prosecutors argued that Routh has shown no remorse for his actions and continues to deny responsibility. They said his behavior and criminal planning warranted a life sentence under federal guidelines.
Defense attorney Martin L. Roth asked the court to impose a shorter sentence of 20 years, plus a mandatory seven-year term for a gun conviction. Roth cited Routh’s age and argued that a lesser sentence would be more appropriate than dying in prison.
Investigators said Routh spent weeks preparing to kill Trump before positioning himself near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course on September 15, 2024. While Trump was playing, Routh aimed a rifle through nearby bushes.
A U.S. Secret Service agent spotted him before Trump entered the area. When Routh pointed the weapon toward the agent, the agent fired, forcing Routh to drop the rifle and flee. Routh never fired a shot and was later arrested.
Court records also show Routh made disturbing statements before sentencing, including offering himself for a prisoner exchange and suggesting Trump could physically assault him. Judge Cannon criticized his filings as disrespectful and disruptive but allowed him legal representation.
Routh had previously been permitted to represent himself after hearings confirmed his competency. Public defenders remained on standby throughout the trial.
SOURCE: WHSV3