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Florida Court Hands Down Life Sentence for 2024 Trump Assassination Plot
A federal judge has sentenced Ryan Wesley Routh to life in prison without parole for his meticulously planned attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024. The 59-year-old was convicted on all five felony charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.
The Failed Attack at Trump International Golf Club
On September 15, 2024, just two months before the presidential election, Routh positioned himself in bushes near the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Armed with a Norinco SKS rifle equipped with a scope, he had waited nearly 12 hours for his opportunity. 'This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you,' Routh wrote in a handwritten confession letter later recovered by investigators.
Secret Service Special Agent Robert Fercano spotted Routh from his concealed sniper position and fired at him, preventing what could have been a deadly attack. Routh fled but was apprehended shortly afterward by law enforcement. 'The defendant painstakingly plotted to kill a former president and showed absolutely no remorse for his actions,' said prosecutor Maria Rodriguez during sentencing.
Months of Planning and Self-Representation
Evidence presented at trial revealed Routh had spent months preparing for the attack. Prosecutors described how he studied Trump's golfing habits, selected his equipment carefully, and chose his position to maximize his chances of success. Despite his detailed planning, Routh represented himself during most of the trial proceedings, a decision that legal experts say likely hurt his defense.
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, who presided over the case, described Routh as 'an evil man' while praising law enforcement for their quick response. 'The Secret Service agents on duty that day prevented what could have been a national tragedy,' she stated during sentencing on February 4, 2026.
Security Challenges at Presidential Golf Courses
The incident highlighted ongoing security challenges at golf courses frequented by presidents and former presidents. According to security experts, golf courses present unique vulnerabilities because they are often open to the public and surrounded by city streets that cannot be easily closed. The Secret Service employs a three-part security approach for such locations, but unscheduled visits create additional complications.
This was not the first assassination attempt against Trump. According to Wikipedia records, there have been multiple incidents dating back to 2016, including a serious attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in 2024 that resulted in two deaths and Trump being injured by a bullet that struck his right ear.
Additional Charges and Sentencing
In addition to the life sentence for attempted assassination, Routh received an additional seven years (84 months) for illegal firearm possession and assaulting a federal officer during his arrest. The combined sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The case involved extensive investigation by the FBI with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies. According to the Department of Justice statement, Routh's conviction followed a two-week trial in September 2025 where he was found guilty on all counts.
Routh's defense plans to appeal the verdict, arguing he never intended harm and should not have been allowed to represent himself. However, legal analysts suggest the overwhelming evidence against him makes a successful appeal unlikely.
