Ryan Rout, who attempted to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida in September 2024, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Elchi.az reports that in the incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, a Secret Service agent saw a rifle barrel sticking out of the bushes and opened fire, after which Rout fled but was captured shortly after.
Judge Eileen Cannon, who presided over the case, emphasized in her verdict that Rout’s actions “undisputedly warrant a life sentence.” Cannon stated that the 59-year-old defendant had been preparing for the assassination for months, demonstrating a willingness to kill anyone who stood in his way, and showing neither remorse nor regret.
Unusual Behavior in Court
Rout, a North Carolina resident who acted as his own lawyer throughout the trial, drew attention with his disorderly behavior in the courtroom. The defendant, who invited Trump to a golf match and made references to Adolf Hitler and Russian President Vladimir Putin, attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen the moment he was found guilty by the jury.
Prosecutors presented evidence to the jury that a semi-automatic rifle with a telescopic sight and an extended magazine were found at the scene, and that Rout left a note listing places where Trump could be found and describing the operation as an “assassination attempt.” Attorney General John Shipley stated that the evidence presented clearly showed how close the defendant was to carrying out the act.
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