BREAKING: Ryan Routh sentenced to life in prison for attempted assassination of President Trump

Per Fox News' Bill Melugin, Judge Aileen Cannon sentenced Routh to life in prison plus 84 months. Prosecutors had requested a life sentence, while the defense suggested a 27-year sentence.

https://twitter.com/BillMelugin_/status/2019102671513563578?s=20

In September, Routh was found guilty on charges of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer. The jury came to a decision after two and a half hours of deliberation, and as the verdict was being read out, Routh attempted to stab himself with a pen.

During the trial, Routh wrote a letter to the judge asking why the death penalty was not on the table for him, and whether he could be part of a prisoner swap.

He wrote, "Why is the death penalty not allowed? At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love — what is the point? Why is it not all or nothing?" He added, "I had wished for a prisoner swap with Hamas, Iran... or China for Jimmy Lai or one of the 40 others, or to freeze to death in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier... so I could die being of some use and save all this court mess. Perhaps you [Judge Cannon] have the power to trade me away... An easy diplomatic victory for Trump to give an American he hates to China, Iran, or North Korea... everyone wins."

Routh, representing himself during the trial, told the jury that he had been incapable of pulling the trigger when he positioned himself in the shrubbery of the Trump International Golf Club on Sept. 15, 2024 and aimed his rifle at the sixth hole while Trump was playing on the fifth. Routh told the jury he was only guilty of "caring too much."

"To merely have a weapon in the presence of another is not intent," Routh said.

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