A federal judge on Feb. 4 sentenced Ryan Routh to life in prison for attempting in 2024 to assassinate President Donald Trump, then a presidential candidate.
Routh was also sentenced to seven years behind bars on a gun charge and received a $500 fine.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors sought life imprisonment for his assassination plot, while the defense mounted broad but ultimately unsuccessful objections.
Defense attorney Martin Roth opened by making a blanket objection to all facts in the pre-sentence investigation report, reiterating Routh’s not-guilty plea and disputing any finding that he intended to commit murder. Judge Aileen Cannon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida pressed Roth on whether he would offer evidence to support the objection. When he said “no,” prosecutors argued that the report contains facts, not allegations. Cannon overruled the objection.
Roth next argued that the federal terrorism statute did not apply, claiming that it does not cover former presidents or major presidential candidates. Cannon read the statute aloud and repeatedly asked Roth to identify a legal gap.
Prosecutors countered that the statute is not exhaustive and clearly covers conduct related to protected individuals, including assault and interference with protective duties. They emphasized that assault under the law includes impeding agents in the performance of their duties. Cannon agreed and ruled that the charges qualified as terrorism offenses, citing overwhelming evidence such as text messages, months of planning, and weapons acquisition.
Hellbound and Down 