Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years for his 2024 attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club in Florida.
Routh was convicted on five federal criminal counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses.
What they’re saying: During the sentencing, Routh spoke in court, claiming he was a good person, mentioning his alleged recruitment work in Ukraine, and asked to be exchanged for political prisoners.
- Judge Aileen Cannon interrupted Routh’s lengthy statement, ultimately declaring his plot was “deliberate and evil,” and stating the sentence was appropriate given his criminal history.
Driving the news: Prosecutors argued Routh’s plans were premeditated and that only swift intervention by a Secret Service agent prevented Trump’s death.
- Routh’s attorney, Martin Roth, asked for a 20-year sentence plus the mandatory seven-year gun penalty, asserting Routh did not actually fire at anyone.
- The judge noted Routh’s prior arrests and dismissed his claims of good character, saying he was not a peaceful man.
- At his trial, testimony revealed Routh aimed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery but was spotted by a Secret Service agent, who opened fire and caused Routh to flee without firing a shot.
\The big picture: Routh was ultimately sentenced to life without parole, plus seven years on the gun charge; sentences on three other charges will run concurrently.
- After sentencing, Routh whispered “good job” to his attorney, winked, and blew a kiss as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
- Routh’s sentencing was delayed so he could be represented by an attorney during the hearing, after representing himself during most of the trial.
- The incident and sentencing took place in Fort Pierce, Florida.
