Man sentenced to life in prison for 2024 attempt on Trump's life

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 4, 2026 at 06:57 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in September 2024 at a Florida golf course. Routh was found guilty last year after a Secret Service agent spotted him with a rifle and fired at him, leading to his arrest. Judge Aileen Cannon cited the premeditated nature of the crime and Routh's lack of remorse as justification for the life sentence. Routh, who represented himself during the trial, acted erratically and made bizarre statements. Evidence presented included a rifle with a scope, a list of Trump's likely appearances, and a note describing the incident as an assassination attempt. This was the second attempt on Trump's life in 2024.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

North Carolina 30% Hawaii 30% Vladimir Putin 40% Adolf Hitler 40% Trump International Golf Club 50% John Shipley 60% Martin Ross 60% United States Secret Service 70% West Palm Beach, Florida ×270% Aileen Cannon 70% Ryan Routh ×1095% Donald Trump ×795%

Keywords

assassination attempt 100% life sentence 90% donald trump 80% ryan routh 80% secret service 70% west palm beach 60% presidential candidate 50% semiautomatic rifle 50% court proceedings 40%