Ryan Routh Appeals Conviction for Attempted Assassination of Trump
A man named Ryan Routh, 59, who was found guilty of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach back in September 2024, has decided to challenge his conviction and life sentence.
Routh has submitted an appeal to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, seeking a review from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
On February 4, U.S. District Judge Eileen M. Cannon sentenced Routh to life in federal prison along with an additional 84 months after a federal jury convicted him on all five counts of the indictment in September 2025.
- Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
- Felon in possession of firearms and ammunition
- Assaulting federal employees, especially those from the U.S. Secret Service
- Possession of a firearm to further a violent crime
- Attempts to assassinate major presidential candidates
During his two-week trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, Routh chose to represent himself. His appeal lawyer, Martin Ross, mentioned that this could be viewed as a mistake the appeals court should consider. He also argued against the classification of Routh’s actions as terrorism.
“The Constitution provides citizens with many peaceful means to oppose or express strong dissent against a presidential candidate, but murder is not one of them,” stated the government in a court filing.
Routh’s attorneys had requested a reduced sentence during the trial, arguing that he struggled to confront witnesses, utilize exhibits, and present evidence effectively. They noted he could end up in prison until his 80s but could receive necessary correctional and mental health treatment.
Interestingly, after the verdict, Routh attempted to stab himself with a pen, yet emerged smiling after the sentencing earlier this month.
Evidence presented during the trial suggested that Routh had plotted to kill Trump while the president was on the golf course during his campaign. A then-U.S. Secret Service agent, Robert Felcano, reportedly saw Routh hiding behind a fence and aiming an AK-47-style rifle at Trump. Authorities noted that Felcano shot at Routh, who subsequently dropped the weapon and fled the scene without discharging it.
Ryan Routh, who was convicted of attempting to assassinate President Trump, plans to appeal his life sentence.
