During sentencing, the defense sought about 20 to 27 years, arguing for leniency and noting Routh’s complex background, while prosecutors urged a life term given the threat to democracy and public safety.

The judge rejected parts of Routh’s self-described statements and allowed standby counsel, after he briefly disrupted proceedings by attempting to stab himself with a pen following the verdict.

Witness testimony, including a Secret Service account, supported that an agent spotted Routh hiding near the golf course before Trump appeared, reinforcing the premeditated nature of the plan.

Prosecutors highlighted that Routh spent weeks plotting the attack, carried a rifle with a scope and other gear near the course, and had an extensive online footprint including a self-published book urging violence against Trump.

Routh was convicted by a jury in September 2024 on multiple counts, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, after opting to represent himself at trial.

The sentencing took place in the Fort Pierce courtroom of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the same venue where Routh’s self-harm incident occurred after the verdict.

CNN coverage included in-court observations from correspondents and remarks highlighting the seriousness of the attempt as a direct attack on the democratic process.

The case followed earlier security incidents involving Trump during the 2024 campaign, underscoring heightened security around the election.

A Secret Service agent spotted the suspect as Trump approached the golf course, prompting rapid intervention and the decision to leave the area.

A federal judge sentenced Ryan Routh to life in prison for attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024 on a West Palm Beach golf course after being found guilty on five counts including attempted assassination.

The 59-year-old defendant, who had represented himself for much of the case, received a life sentence plus an additional seven years on related firearm charges, with the judge noting the severity of the crime and upholding prosecutors’ request for a harsh penalty.

Investigators found that Routh planned the attack for weeks, stockpiling a rifle, a scope, 17 cellphones, two backpacks with ceramic tiles for bullet deflection, and a camera.