Ryan Wesley Routh, who was a 60-year-old man from North Carolina. he has been sentenced to life in federal prison for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during the 2024 US presidential campaign. The sentence was handed down on February 4, 2026, following a high-profile federal trial in Florida.
Who is Ryan Routh?
The United States Army veteran obtained his birth name of Routh in 1966 through his birth in Greensboro, North Carolina. The period before the 2024 incident saw him work different jobs while he encountered various legal problems. He gained national attention after being arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was found hiding with a rifle in shrubbery.
Why Ryan Routh Was Sentenced to Life in Prison for Trying to Kill Trump
The federal jury found Routh guilty of five criminal charges, which included attempting to kill a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and using multiple firearms. Prosecutors said Routh meticulously planned the attack to kill Trump, which led them to request his maximum possible punishment.
Ryan Routh Sentencing Date
Ryan Routh will face sentencing on his designated date. US District Judge Aileen Cannon presided over the case and, on February 4, 2026, sentenced Routh to life in prison plus additional years for associated firearm charges.
Ryan Routh Case Verdict
The jury found Routh guilty in September 2025 after they conducted their brief deliberation. Routh conducted his own defense at trial through his unpredictable performance, which included his attempt to commit suicide by using a pen after the court announced his guilty verdict.
Ryan Routh’s Wife
No verified sources or public documentation exist that show that Ryan Routh has entered into a marriage relationship with a wife. Public profiles list him as having had a domestic partner in past years, but not a spouse.
Ryan Routh’s Assassination Towards Trump in the Past Years
The Florida golf course plot in September 2024 was part of a string of threats against Trump during his 2024 campaign. Routh conducted surveillance at the golf course while carrying a weapon, but a Secret Service agent detected him before he managed to discharge his firearm.
The U.S. courts impose life sentences on Ryan Routh because they treat political leader threats as serious offenses. The case demonstrates how political violence remains a threat, which requires federal protection for public figures.
