Ryan Routh was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole, plus seven years on a firearms charge, for attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club in September 2024. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon described Routh as an “evil person” who intended a “cold-blooded concealed kill” and would have succeeded but for the intervention of a Secret Service agent.

Routh, 59, was convicted last September on five federal counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses. Prosecutors sought a life sentence, arguing Routh spent weeks planning the attack and aimed a rifle at Trump from dense shrubbery on Sept. 15, 2024. A Secret Service agent spotted him first, fired a shot, and caused Routh to drop the weapon and flee without pulling the trigger.

Defense attorney Martin Roth requested a sentence of 20 years plus the mandatory seven-year gun sentence, arguing Routh “stands by his plea of not guilty” and objected to claims that he attempted to murder anyone because he did not fire at what the defense called the “moment of truth.” Judge Cannon rejected that argument, citing Routh’s criminal history and intent. “Your plot to kill was deliberate and evil,” she said. “You are not a peaceful man. And your criminal history shows it.”

During the sentencing hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida, Routh spoke for about 15 minutes, repeating themes from the trial in which he portrayed himself as a “good person” and referenced alleged efforts to recruit fighters for Ukraine. He also read from a prepared statement requesting to be exchanged for political prisoners worldwide. Judge Cannon cut him off after seven to eight minutes when he indicated he had roughly 20 more pages to read, stating that the guideline sentence of life imprisonment plus mandatory penalties was appropriate.

Routh appeared clean-shaven in a tan prison jumpsuit, with longer hair than at trial, and was seen fidgeting with his shackles during the proceedings. As he was escorted from the courtroom, he whispered “good job” to his attorney, then winked and blew a kiss toward the gallery.

The sentencing had originally been scheduled for December but was delayed after Routh chose to be represented by counsel rather than continue representing himself.