Florida Man Who Plotted to Kill Trump Faces Life Sentence

Ryan Routh, 59, the man convicted of plotting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to be sentenced this week, nearly 17 months after a jury found him guilty of multiple criminal charges, including attempted assassination.

The shocking plot occurred on September 15, 2024, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election that returned Trump to the White House. Routh, who had been hiding in thick bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and surveillance equipment when Secret Service agents intervened.

Prosecutors are urging U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to impose a life sentence, arguing that Routh meticulously planned the attack for months, posed a threat to anyone who got in his way, and has shown no remorse. Routh, representing himself at trial, has requested a 27-year prison term, claiming he never intended to kill Trump and is willing to undergo psychological treatment for a personality disorder.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Routh arrived in South Florida a month before the attack, stayed at a truck stop, and monitored Trump’s schedule. He carried six cellphones, used multiple aliases, and spent nearly 10 hours lying in wait. Investigators recovered the rifle, body armor-like plates, and a video camera pointing toward the golf course.

Routh’s self-representation at trial drew headlines as he delivered a meandering opening statement covering topics from human origins to American history before being ordered to focus on the case. His defense hinged on his alleged nonviolent nature, but prosecutors detailed the careful planning behind the assassination attempt.

Following the jury’s guilty verdict, Routh attempted to harm himself in court and had to be restrained by U.S. marshals. His daughter protested, insisting her father had not hurt anyone and pledging to fight for his release.

Trump praised the conviction on Truth Social, describing Routh as “an evil man with an evil intention” who was fortunately stopped before causing harm.

The sentencing hearing in Fort Pierce is now expected to determine whether Routh will spend the rest of his life behind bars or receive a shorter prison term.