FOILED: Sniper Hiding in Bushes Targeting Trump

A man who attempted to assassinate President Trump at his Florida golf club has been sentenced to life in prison, marking a decisive end to a chilling plot that exposed dangerous gaps in presidential security and politically motivated violence.

Story Snapshot

Ryan Wesley Routh sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in September 2024
Routh planned for months to prevent Trump’s 2024 election, seeking foreign weapons including rocket launchers from Ukraine contacts
Secret Service agent spotted Routh’s rifle aimed at Trump from 400 yards away, fired shots causing him to flee before he could shoot
Federal and state charges included attempted murder, terrorism, and conspiracy involving two co-conspirators who helped obtain weapons

Assassination Plot Foiled by Alert Secret Service

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, received a life sentence for his meticulously planned September 15, 2024, assassination attempt against then-candidate Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A Secret Service agent detected Routh hiding in shrubbery with an SKS-style rifle pointed at Trump from approximately 400 yards away while the President golfed. The agent fired four to six rounds, forcing Routh to flee without discharging his weapon. Authorities captured him during a traffic stop that caused a crash injuring 6-year-old Mia Rosalie Monreal, resulting in additional charges.

Months of Planning to Stop Trump’s Election

Evidence revealed Routh spent months orchestrating the attack, driven by extreme opposition to Trump’s potential 2024 reelection. Between July and August 2024, he conspired with Tina Brown Cooper, 58, and Ronnie Jay Oxendine, 54, to obtain the rifle used in the attempt. Federal prosecutors uncovered WhatsApp messages showing Routh sought advanced weaponry, including rocket launchers and Stinger missiles, from alleged Ukrainian contacts identified as “Ramiro.” A handwriting analysis linked Routh to a pre-written note admitting failure and a November 4, 2024, letter warning of “Civil War” if Trump won the election.

Ukraine Activist Turned Political Extremist

Routh, a longtime roofer with a 2002 conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction, was an outspoken supporter of Ukraine’s war efforts who donated funds and recruited fighters. His obsession with preventing Trump’s presidency stemmed from believing it would end American democracy. This marked the second assassination attempt against Trump in 2024, following the July 13 Pennsylvania rally shooting where Thomas Crooks wounded Trump and killed spectator Corey Comperatore. Unlike Crooks, who fired eight rounds before being killed by Secret Service, Routh never fired his weapon but demonstrated more extensive planning and foreign connections that alarmed security officials.

Federal and State Prosecution Secures Justice

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier charged Routh with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism following an April 7, 2025, federal indictment revealing the rocket launcher plot discussions. Federal prosecutors built their case on phone records showing Routh’s device near the scene at 1:59 a.m. on September 15, suggesting reconnaissance hours before the 1:31 p.m. attempt. Trump responded to the attack with a fundraising email stating his “resolve is only stronger,” reinforcing his campaign narrative of resilience that contributed to his 2024 electoral victory. The life sentence establishes a critical precedent for prosecuting politically motivated violence targeting presidential candidates and protects the constitutional principle of free and fair elections.

BREAKING: Would-be Trump Assassin Sentenced to Life in Prison
https://t.co/rYQWRAtedp

— George Murray Jr (@GeorgeMurrayJr1) February 4, 2026

The case exposed troubling security vulnerabilities reminiscent of the Pennsylvania attempt, where authorities failed to act despite 90 minutes of suspicious behavior. Routh’s capture required aggressive coordination between Secret Service, FBI, and local law enforcement, highlighting the ongoing threat from extremists willing to use violence to influence electoral outcomes. The Trump family and supporters experienced renewed fear, while the Monreal family continues recovering from injuries sustained in the pursuit crash. This prosecution sends an unmistakable message that attacks on constitutional processes will face maximum consequences under the law.