Washington, Feb 5 (NationPress) - A U.S. Federal judge sentenced Ryan Routh, a 60-year-old man, to a life term in prison on Wednesday for his conviction related to an assassination plot against President Donald Trump during the 2024 election campaign, marking the conclusion of a significant case of political violence in recent American history.

Routh was found guilty on five felony counts associated with a planned sniper-style attack on Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024, while Trump was campaigning for a return to the White House.

Prosecutors detailed that Routh engaged in months of meticulous planning, which included tracking Trump's movements, studying aircraft, mapping the golf course, and acquiring firearms, ammunition, and other necessary equipment.

On the day of the assassination attempt, Routh concealed himself for hours near the golf course, awaiting Trump’s arrival for a game of golf.

Federal prosecutors noted in a sentencing memo, "Routh's actions clearly justify a life sentence." They highlighted that Routh had meticulously plotted to assassinate a leading presidential candidate, showing a willingness to harm anyone in his path, without expressing any remorse for his actions.

According to the prosecution, a Secret Service agent discovered Routh hiding in the trees, armed with a semi-automatic rifle.

Upon being confronted, Routh fled the scene, abandoning his weapon, and was arrested shortly after.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the life sentence during a hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida. In addition to the life term, Cannon added another seven years for a secondary charge outlined in the indictment, according to local media reports.

Before sentencing, Cannon condemned Routh's conduct and commended the law enforcement officers and bystanders who intervened. "Despite the darkness we often witness, there remains a glimmer of hope," she remarked, as reported by local television.

Routh, who represented himself during much of the trial after conflicts with his appointed lawyers, claimed in a disjointed opening statement that he never meant to kill Trump.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting him on all charges following a trial that extended over two weeks.

When the verdict was announced, Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen before US Marshals restrained him.

He later expressed regret to the judge in court documents, referring to the trial as a "nuisance."

At the sentencing, Routh appeared with a newly appointed attorney, who pleaded for a 27-year sentence instead of life, asserting the attack did not result in injuries to Trump or his team.

"While the crimes are serious, this was an unsuccessful attempt that caused no harm," the defense argued, suggesting a lengthy but finite sentence would be appropriate and not excessive.

Prosecutors dismissed this plea, emphasizing Routh's extensive premeditation and motive to interfere with voter choice in the upcoming election.

After his apprehension, Routh underwent a psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist diagnosed him with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Bipolar II disorder, as per court documents. His attorney indicated that Routh is willing to receive mental health treatment during his incarceration.

The incident occurred amid escalating political tensions during the 2024 US election campaign. Notably, just two months prior, Trump had survived another assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, where he sustained an ear injury, and the assailant was killed by law enforcement.