Man convicted of trying to assassinate Trump to serve life in prison

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:12 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to assassinate Donald Trump two months before the 2024 presidential election. The 59-year-old was found hiding in bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024, armed with a semi-automatic rifle. Judge Cannon stated that Routh engaged in a premeditated plot to take Trump's life. Routh, who acted as his own lawyer, requested a 27-year sentence, while prosecutors sought life in prison, arguing his actions aimed to undermine American democracy. The incident occurred after a previous assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania. Routh claimed he did not intend to kill Trump and offered to undergo psychological treatment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Palm Beach 30% Butler, Pennsylvania 30% Trump International Golf Club 40% 2024 US presidential election 50% Florida ×250% Secret Service ×260% US District Judge Cannon 60% United States ×270% Ryan Routh ×890% Donald Trump ×7100%

Keywords

assassination attempt 100% life in prison 80% premeditated plot 70% us presidential election 60% secret service 50% political violence 50% gun violence 40%