Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Man Convicted of Attempting to Assassinate Trump Requests Attorney for Sentencing
A man named Ryan Routh tried to shoot President Donald Trump while he was playing golf in Florida.
Routh was caught by a Secret Service agent before he could fire.
He was found guilty of trying to kill the president and other gun-related crimes.
At first, Routh wanted to represent himself in court, but now he has asked for a lawyer to help him during his sentencing and appeal.
The judge allowed him to have a lawyer, even though she thought his request was disrespectful.
Routh even offered to trade his life for other prisoners and said he wished he had succeeded in his attempt.
The sentencing was delayed to early February.
Ryan Routh, 59, was convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach country club on September 15, 2024.
Routh aimed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery but was stopped by a Secret Service agent who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon.
Routh initially represented himself during the trial but has now requested an attorney for the sentencing and appeal phases.
The sentencing hearing was delayed from this week to early February after Routh's request for an attorney was granted.
Routh's motion for an attorney included a controversial offer to trade his life in a prisoner swap and comments about his failed attempt.
- Who
- Ryan Routh, 59, attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump
- What
- Routh aimed a rifle at Trump during a golf game and was stopped by a Secret Service agent
- When
- The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for early February
- Where
- The attempt took place at Trump's West Palm Beach country club in Florida
- Why
- Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump, though his exact motivations are not detailed in the articles
- Defendant
- Ryan Routh
- Crime
- Attempted assassination of President Donald Trump
- Location
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- Date of Incident
- September 15, 2024
- Sentencing Hearing Date
- Early February (delayed from this week)
- Charges
- Attempting to kill a presidential candidate and several firearm-related charges
- Judge
- U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon