Prosecutors seek life sentence for man who tried to shoot Trump at a Florida golf course
February 3, 2026
Federal prosecutors are asking that a man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump be sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Routh is scheduled to appear Wednesday in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. He aimed a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf at his West Palm Beach country club in 2024. Routh’s sentencing had initially been scheduled for December. The judge agreed to move the date back after Routh decided to use an attorney instead of representing himself as he did for most of the trial. The attorney says a just punishment would allow Routh to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison.