Life Sentence for Florida Man in Trump Assassination Plot

Ryan Routh, the 59-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison. The conviction comes after a jury found Routh guilty of five criminal counts, including attempted assassination, in a trial where he represented himself.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the sentence, emphasizing Routh's calculated intent and history of disregarding societal norms, as demonstrated by his extensive rap sheet. During the sentencing, Routh addressed the court but spent most of his statement discussing unrelated topics, prompting the judge to cut him off.

Prosecutors argued that Routh's actions were aimed at destabilizing American democracy, recommending a life sentence, which the judge upheld. Routh's defense claimed a troubled but caring nature, and they plan to appeal the conviction. The case adds to the discourse on political violence following another attempt on Trump's life earlier in his campaign.