Judge Aileen Cannon Sentences Ryan Routh to Life for Plot to Assassinate President Trump

Overview

• The sentence, delivered in Fort Pierce on February 4, follows a September 2025 jury verdict on five counts including attempted assassination.
• Cannon also imposed a consecutive seven-year term for illegal firearm possession after prosecutors sought life without parole.
• Prosecutors presented evidence that Routh prepared for months, traveled under aliases with six cellphones, and tracked Trump’s schedule in South Florida.
• A Secret Service agent saw him concealed in bushes near the West Palm Beach course on September 15, 2024, fired at him, and he was arrested about 45 minutes later after fleeing.
• Routh represented himself, denied intent and asked for a 27-year term, later attempting self-harm in court; Trump publicly praised the conviction.