Ryan Routh
Ryan Wesley Routh is an American man who was convicted in federal court of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024.
Ryan Wesley Routh is an American man convicted in federal court of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024. In 2026, he was sentenced to life in prison, with additional consecutive federal prison terms for violent and firearms offences. The case drew national attention due to the target and the circumstances of the incident.
Background
Routh was born on February 18, 1966, and spent much of his life in North Carolina before later residing in Hawaii. Reporting identified him as a former roofer and contractor who also operated a construction business. Coverage also noted a prior criminal history and political activity related to Ukraine, as well as social media posts criticizing Donald Trump.
2024 Florida incident
In September 2024, authorities arrested Routh in connection with what was described as an apparent attempted assassination of Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was later charged in federal court with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and multiple firearms offences.
Trial and conviction
After a federal trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, a jury convicted Routh on all counts in September 2025. The verdict covered attempted assassination, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offences.
Sentence
In 2026, Routh received a life sentence in federal prison, with additional prison terms for related counts. News reports indicated the total included consecutive time beyond life imprisonment.
Key facts
- Ryan Routh was convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in Florida in September 2024.
- He faced federal charges including attempted assassination and multiple firearms offences.
- A federal jury found him guilty on all counts in September 2025.
- He was sentenced in 2026 to life in prison, plus additional consecutive terms.
- Routh had a background in roofing and construction, and had lived in North Carolina and Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- U.S. Department of Justice — https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-sentenced-life-prison-attempted-assassination-president-donald-j-trump-andSupports: Sentence, conviction, offences, and federal case outcome.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/politics/ryan-routh-trump-attempted-assassination-guiltySupports: Guilty verdict, charges, and sentencing context.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/politics/ryan-routh-trump-assassination-attempt-sentencingSupports: Life sentence and additional prison terms.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3611zjjnd2oSupports: Background, age, residence, and arrest context.
- Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-09-15/trump-golf-club-gun-suspect-ryan-routh-social-media-posts-ukraineSupports: Background, North Carolina ties, construction work, and public political activity.
- KPBS — https://www.kpbs.org/news/national/2024/09/16/who-is-ryan-routh-what-to-know-about-the-suspect-in-the-trump-golf-course-incidentSupports: Residence history, criminal record reporting, and Ukraine-related activism.