Overview
- U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon imposed the sentence in Fort Pierce, citing a premeditated, calculated plot and the need to protect the public.
- A federal jury convicted Routh in September 2025 on five counts after he largely represented himself at trial.
- Secret Service agents discovered him lying in wait with a loaded assault-style rifle near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course and recovered gear showing months of planning.
- Evidence included multiple phones, body-armor plates, surveillance video equipment and writings referencing an assassination attempt, while Routh denied intent to kill.
- Routh attempted self-harm after the verdict and, through counsel at sentencing, sought a far shorter term and now plans to appeal.