Ryan Routh to Be Sentenced for Attempted Assassination of Trump

Ryan Routh, the individual found guilty of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in 2024, is set for sentencing on Wednesday, February 4.

Routh was convicted in September on five charges after a tumultuous trial during which he represented himself and faced repeated reprimands from the presiding judge, Aileen Cannon. One of the counts includes the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate.

Judge Cannon will decide on Routh’s sentence, with prosecutors requesting a life term. They are also pursuing a terrorism enhancement, which Routh is anticipated to contest at the sentencing hearing.

“He’s his own man, he doesn’t follow the advice that lawyers give him, but he’s well within his rights to say whatever is on his mind and whatever is on his chest,” stated Martin Roth, an attorney engaged by Routh after his conviction. Roth noted that his client’s statements in court “will be unusual” and “will only be partially about the case.”

In court documents, prosecutors asserted that Routh’s actions warranted the maximum punishment available. “Routh’s crimes undeniably warrant a life sentence; he took steps over months to assassinate a major presidential candidate,” they remarked, adding that he “demonstrated the will to kill anybody in the way” without expressing “any regret or remorse.”

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Routh spent weeks near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course and Mar-a-Lago residence before the incident. Investigators found burner phones which contained internet searches such as “Trump’s upcoming rallies” and “Palm Beach traffic cameras.”

Authorities also discovered a handwritten letter in which Routh confessed to the conspiracy. “I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job,” the note stated. Investigators noted there was no evidence to suggest he had access to such funds.

On September 15, 2024, Routh allegedly established a sniper’s position adjacent to the sixth hole of Trump’s golf course, armed with an outdated Soviet-style rifle and concealed by armored plates attached to a fence. At that moment, Trump was playing golf just one hole away.

A Secret Service agent, who was securing the area, noticed Routh’s face and the barrel of the rifle sticking through a chain-link fence. With the weapon aimed at him, the agent fired multiple rounds while seeking cover and notifying other security personnel.

Routh fled the scene but was spotted by a civilian witness, Tommy McGee, who took note of the vehicle's license plate and informed authorities. McGee later recounted that during cross-examination, Routh told him, “You’re a good man. You’re my hero. You’re an American hero.”

Additional evidence revealed that Routh intended to escape, as online searches included “Directions to Miami airport” and “flights to Mexico.”

Throughout the trial, Routh often strayed from the topic, leading to numerous interruptions from Judge Cannon. In his closing statement, he claimed that the assassination “was never going to happen” and argued that since no shots were fired, “it is not an attempt.” The judge interrupted him multiple times until the jury deliberated for three hours before returning a guilty verdict.

After the verdict was announced, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen in the courtroom, but he was subdued by US Marshals as his daughter cried out for assistance.