Bushes, Rifles, and a Presidential Plot: The Ryan Routh Story

Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course. Convicted of five criminal counts including attempted assassination, Routh served as his own defense lawyer. Despite his claims of innocence, prosecutors highlighted his meticulous planning and lack of remorse.

In a dramatic courtroom decision, Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison for his attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Florida. The event occurred less than two months before Trump's re-election in 2024. Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents hiding near Trump's Palm Beach golf course with a semi-automatic rifle.

Routh, acting as his own defense during the trial, was convicted of several charges, including attempted assassination and illegal firearm possession. Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the life sentence, rebuffing Routh's request for a 27-year term, which he argued was more fitting given his willingness to undergo psychological treatment.

Despite Routh's claims of a nonviolent nature, prosecutors presented evidence of his detailed planning to track and potentially harm Trump. The incident has been tied to a previous assassination attempt on Trump, becoming a significant issue in the political discourse leading up to the 2024 election.

(With inputs from agencies.)