The man convicted of trying to kill then‑presidential candidate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course will be back in court this morning for his sentencing.Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Ryan Routh was found guilty of planning an attack at the Trump International Golf Club. According to court records, prosecutors say Routh watched the golf club for weeks, built a hidden sniper’s nest in the bushes, and even pushed a rifle through a fence, all steps they say show he intended to kill.Prosecutors are asking for a life sentence, arguing that Routh’s actions went far beyond political protest.Routh, who represented himself at trial, is now asking the judge for leniency. He says the jury misunderstood his intent and points out that he never fired his gun. His attorney argues he needs mental health treatment instead of life in prison.Routh’s sister also wrote a letter to the judge asking for mercy and requesting that, if he is sent to prison, he be placed somewhere close to family.Before the judge makes a final decision, Routh will have one last chance to speak in court today.Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —
The man convicted of trying to kill then‑presidential candidate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course will be back in court this morning for his sentencing.
Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
Ryan Routh was found guilty of planning an attack at the Trump International Golf Club. According to court records, prosecutors say Routh watched the golf club for weeks, built a hidden sniper’s nest in the bushes, and even pushed a rifle through a fence, all steps they say show he intended to kill.
Prosecutors are asking for a life sentence, arguing that Routh’s actions went far beyond political protest.
Routh, who represented himself at trial, is now asking the judge for leniency. He says the jury misunderstood his intent and points out that he never fired his gun. His attorney argues he needs mental health treatment instead of life in prison.
Routh’s sister also wrote a letter to the judge asking for mercy and requesting that, if he is sent to prison, he be placed somewhere close to family.
Before the judge makes a final decision, Routh will have one last chance to speak in court today.
Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.