Chicago – February 04, 2026
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon sentenced Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, to life in prison plus seven years on February 4, 2026, for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024.
Routh was convicted in September 2025 on five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on a Secret Service agent, and firearm offenses after representing himself in a chaotic trial.
On September 15, 2024, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh hiding in bushes with an SKS semi-automatic rifle aimed toward Trump, who was golfing nearby. The agent fired at Routh, who fled but was captured on Interstate 95 by Martin County Sheriff’s deputies aided by a witness.
Prosecutors sought life without parole, citing Routh’s lack of remorse and premeditated plot. During sentencing, Cannon stated, “The evil is in you, Mr. Routh,” rejecting defense pleas for leniency based on his Ukraine aid efforts. Routh’s attorney plans an appeal.
