The man who tried to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in September 2024 will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Ryan Routh was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison plus seven years for the assassination attempt that took place at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club in Florida, per Fox News.
Routh. 59, was convicted last September of five federal criminal counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms offenses.
While prosecutors sought a life sentence, Routh’s attorney, Martin Roth, asked the judge for 20 years in prison on top of a seven-year, mandatory sentence for one of the gun convictions.
Routh’s sentencing in Fort Pierce, Fla., was originally scheduled for December, but U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon agreed to move the date back after Routh decided to use an attorney during the sentencing phase.
He represented himself for most of the trial.
Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump. He eventually aimed a rifle through shrubbery Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach, Fla., country club.
During the trial, a Secret Service agent protecting Trump on the golf course testified that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire. This caused Routh to drop his weapon and run away without firing a shot.
