Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Donald J. Trump just before the 2024 election, has been sentenced to life in prison by a federal jury in Florida. The ruling followed a verdict on February 4, 2026, that found Routh guilty of attempting to kill Trump last September, prompting him to stab himself with a pen during the announcement of the verdict.
During his trial, Routh fired his defense attorneys and represented himself, resulting in a series of unusual incidents. He argued he committed no crime because he did not fire a shot during the attempt, but his 42-minute closing argument—containing references to Ukraine—was abruptly cut off by Judge Aileen Cannon for being off-topic.
Reports indicate Routh ran the International Volunteer Center in Ukraine and spent significant time in Kiev over several years prior to the assassination attempt. He was also reportedly involved in efforts to send Afghanistan military veterans, who fled their country after the Taliban retook power, to Ukraine to support the nation’s defense against Russia.
In September 2024, reports indicated Routh had placed a $150,000 bounty on anyone who could complete the task of assassinating Trump. He later carried out the attempt himself while Trump was playing golf at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Routh faces multiple state charges in Florida, including an attempted felony murder charge for causing severe injuries to a six-year-old girl during his escape following the assassination attempt. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) has also charged Routh with first-degree attempted murder and terrorism offenses.
