Florida Assassin Faces Life Sentence for Trump Golf Course Plot
Federal prosecutors in the United States are demanding a life sentence for a man convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course. Ryan Routh, found guilty of plotting to kill Trump in 2024, is scheduled for a sentencing hearing before US District Judge Aileen Cannon in Fort Pierce.
The Failed Assassination Attempt
Prosecutors detailed that Routh spent weeks meticulously planning the attack. On 15 September 2024, he positioned himself with a rifle, aiming through shrubbery at Trump as the then Republican presidential candidate played golf at his West Palm Beach country club. However, a Secret Service agent protecting Trump spotted Routh before the former president came into view. The agent testified at trial that Routh then aimed his rifle at him, prompting the agent to open fire. This caused Routh to drop his weapon and flee without discharging a single shot.
Courtroom Chaos and Delayed Sentencing
The trial concluded dramatically in September 2025 when jurors found Routh guilty on all counts, including attempting to kill a presidential candidate and multiple firearm-related charges. Immediately after the verdict, chaos erupted in Judge Cannon's courtroom as Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen. Officers swiftly intervened, dragging him from the room.
Originally set for December, Routh's sentencing was postponed after he decided to retain an attorney for this phase, having represented himself for much of the trial. This change prompted Judge Cannon to agree to a later date.
Prosecution and Defence Arguments
In a sentencing memorandum filed last month, prosecutors argued that Routh has shown no remorse or acceptance of responsibility for his actions. They stated, "Routh remains unrepentant for his crimes, never apologized for the lives he put at risk, and his life demonstrates near-total disregard for law." They are urging the court to impose a life sentence, aligning with federal sentencing guidelines.
Conversely, Routh's new defence attorney, Martin L Roth, is requesting a deviation from these guidelines. Roth proposes a 20-year prison term in addition to a mandatory seven-year sentence for one of the gun convictions. In a filing, Roth noted, "The defendant is two weeks short of being sixty years old. A just punishment would provide a sentence long enough to impose sufficient but not excessive punishment, and to allow defendant to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison."
Broader Context of Political Violence
This assassination attempt occurred merely nine weeks after Trump narrowly survived another attempt on his life at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In that incident, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fired eight shots, one grazing Trump's ear, before being fatally shot by Secret Service counter-snipers. The Routh case underscores ongoing concerns about political violence and security in the United States.
As the sentencing hearing approaches, the outcome will be closely watched, highlighting legal proceedings surrounding high-profile crimes and the stringent penalties sought for threats against public figures.
