Man sentenced to life in prison for 2024 attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at Florida golf course

A man who plotted to assassinate President Donald Trump during a 2024 visit to a Florida golf course has been sentenced to life in federal prison.

Ryan Routh was convicted on five counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, after prosecutors detailed months of surveillance, planning, and preparation leading up to the failed attack near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.

According to court testimony, Routh built a makeshift sniper position along the fence line and waited for Trump to approach. A Secret Service agent spotted the barrel of a rifle and Routh’s partially hidden face, firing several shots and forcing him to flee.

Routh was later identified and arrested after a witness recorded his license plate as he escaped. Investigators also uncovered burner phones showing searches related to Trump’s schedule and local traffic cameras, along with a handwritten letter confessing to the attempted assassination.

During sentencing, prosecutors said Routh demonstrated clear intent to kill and showed no remorse. The judge agreed, imposing a life sentence along with additional prison terms.

Routh represented himself during portions of the trial, frequently being reprimanded by the judge for disruptive behavior. After the guilty verdict was read, he attempted to harm himself in court but was quickly restrained by U.S. Marshals.

Authorities credited the quick actions of the Secret Service and a civilian witness for preventing what could have been a deadly attack.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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