A federal judge has sentenced Ryan Routh to a life term in prison with an additional 84 months for attempting to take the life of President Donald Trump. This sentencing by Judge Aileen Cannon on February 4, 2026, followed a high-profile trial that concluded with Routh's conviction on several serious charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate.
The incident took place on September 15, 2024, at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida. According to court documents, Routh was apprehended while hiding in shrubbery and aiming a rifle at the location where President Trump was present. Routh faced charges of attempted assassination, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He was also convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer.
Prosecutors advocated for the maximum sentence, while defense attorneys requested a 27-year term. The jury reached a unanimous verdict after just two and a half hours of deliberation, as reported by various media outlets. During the reading of the verdicts, Routh made a startling attempt to injure himself with a pen, which was promptly thwarted by court officials.
Throughout the trial, Routh's behavior was unconventional. He chose to represent himself, and in his defense, he claimed physical inability to fire the weapon during the incident. Routh's argument was that being armed in someone's presence did not equate to intent to harm. Despite this, the jury was not swayed by his defense.
In an unusual correspondence, Routh wrote to Judge Cannon, questioning why the death penalty was not an option and expressing a desire to be traded to hostile nations such as Hamas, Iran, or China. He proposed this as a way for him to be of some use and to avoid the court proceedings.
This case has drawn significant attention due to its implications on national security and the safety of major political figures. The swift justice served in this instance demonstrates the legal system's capacity to address threats to public officials effectively. The sentencing serves as a deterrent to similar crimes and underscores the severity with which the judicial system treats attempts on the lives of elected leaders.
