A United States federal court has sentenced Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, to life imprisonment plus seven years for plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the 2024 election campaign.
The incident occurred in September 2024 at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, just two months before the presidential election.
The sentencing was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Aileen Cannon, who said the punishment was necessary “to protect the public from future crime.”
Details of the Assassination Plot
Routh was arrested on September 15, 2024, after a Secret Service agent spotted the barrel of a rifle emerging from bushes near the perimeter of the golf course where Trump was playing.
The agent opened fire, forcing Routh to flee the scene in a vehicle. He was later arrested by law enforcement officers.
Investigators confirmed that the suspect had been waiting for an opportunity to carry out the attack.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
In September 2025, Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump.
During his trial, he chose to represent himself despite lacking formal legal training.
Court records revealed that he made unusual requests while in detention, including asking for entertainment and special facilities. These demands were rejected by authorities.
Judge’s Statement
While delivering the sentence, Judge Cannon told the defendant:
“The evil is in you. Not in everybody else.”
She stressed that the life sentence was imposed to prevent further harm to the public.
Context of 2024 Assassination Attempts
Routh’s plot came shortly after another assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024 in Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired shots during a campaign rally.
One bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and a supporter was killed. The attacker was shot dead at the scene.
The incident significantly shaped the political atmosphere ahead of the election, which Trump later won.
