Ryan Routh Files Appeal Against Life Sentence for Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

By Jim Mishler | Monday, February 16, 2026

Ryan Routh, who was convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, has filed an appeal challenging his conviction and life sentence.

A notice filed with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals states that Routh intends to contest the verdict and the sentence imposed this month.

A jury found Routh guilty on five counts, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate—a charge carrying a maximum penalty of life in prison. Prosecutors reported that Routh spent weeks planning the attack and positioned himself near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024, placing a rifle through vegetation along the course perimeter.

Witnesses testified that he was spotted before Donald Trump, who at the time was a former president and would win reelection two months later, came into view. Routh fled after a Secret Service agent fired in his direction. He was arrested shortly afterward on a nearby highway.

The Department of Justice sought a life sentence, while Routh requested a 27-year term, arguing that trial errors justified a lesser sentence. Routh represented himself at trial following requests to dismiss his public defenders.

During the trial, Routh told U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that his “inability to effectively confront witnesses, use exhibits or affirmatively introduce impeachment evidence” affected the outcome. An attorney who assisted Routh during sentencing argued that a reduced sentence would still keep him incarcerated into his 80s and provide access to correctional and mental health treatment.

After the verdict was announced, Routh attempted to stab himself with a pen. In the appeal filing, attorney Martin Roth asserted that allowing Routh to represent himself could be grounds for review. He cited Judge Cannon’s decision not to recuse herself and the court’s finding that the offense constituted terrorism.

Prosecutors stated in court filings that Routh sought to kill Trump “cravenly, in cold blood” and showed no remorse. The government emphasized: “The Constitution affords citizens many peaceful avenues to oppose or express strong dissent about a Presidential candidate—murder is not one of them.”

This incident occurred two months after another assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the assailant was shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.