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Ryan Routh Receives Life Sentence for Attempting to Assassinate Trump

KVIA•Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:43 PM•ABC News

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Ryan Routh has been sentenced to life in prison for his attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in September 2024. U.S. Judge Aileen Cannon condemned Routh's actions as evil, highlighting the significant premeditation involved in his plot, which included aiming a military-grade rifle at Trump and a Secret Service agent. Routh, who represented himself during the trial, was convicted on five felony counts and has shown no remorse for his actions. His defense attorney plans to appeal, arguing that Routh did not intend to harm anyone and that he was not adequately represented in court. This case underscores the serious implications of political violence and the legal system's response to such threats.

Key Details: • Routh was sentenced on February 4, 2026, to life plus seven years in prison. • He was convicted of five felony counts, including attempted assassination. • Routh's actions included hiding in bushes and aiming a rifle at Trump. • His defense attorney plans to file an appeal against the conviction.

politics court trump crime assassination

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpAileen CannonWest Palm BeachRyan RouthTrump International Golf Club

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