• Ryan Routh, 60, was convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump.
• Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, citing Routh's premeditated actions.
• The sentencing is set to occur in Fort Pierce, Florida, presided over by Judge Aileen Cannon.
• Routh has requested a lesser sentence of 27 years and claimed he did not intend to harm Trump.
• His defense was managed by himself during the trial, leading to difficulties.

On Wednesday, Ryan Wesley Routh, convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in September 2024, is expected to be sentenced. Routh, 60, faces a potential life sentence as prosecutors argue he plotted for months to kill Trump, demonstrating "cowardly disregard for human life" when he hid in the bushes of Trump International Golf Club with a semi-automatic rifle aimed at the then-presidential candidate, according to ABC News, NPR, and Reuters.

Routh's conviction followed a brief trial in which he represented himself, leading to a poorly executed defense that lasted only hours compared to the seven days of prosecution evidence presented. The jury took just two hours to find him guilty on five counts, including attempted assassination and assaulting a federal officer. Prosecutors highlighted Routh's extensive planning and lack of remorse throughout the proceedings, detailing how he tracked Trump’s movements and came prepared with weapons, according to ABC News, NPR, and Reuters.

The prosecution termed the planned attack "carefully crafted and deadly serious," while Routh attempted to argue his nonviolent nature during his defense. In a bizarre courtroom episode, Routh tried to stab himself with a pen upon hearing the guilty verdict, demonstrating significant distress. Furthermore, he has submitted requests for a lighter sentence of 27 years, arguing that the jury was misled due to his inability to mount an effective defense and appealing to his mental health issues including personality disorders, according to ABC News, NPR, and Reuters.

Routh’s case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the political atmosphere surrounding the events. The sentencing will take place before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, raising questions about potential biases, although Judge Cannon has previously dismissed claims regarding her impartiality. Routh's actions occurred merely two months before Trump’s return to the presidency following his election victory in November 2024, making this case a focal point in discussions of political safety and conduct, as noted by ABC News, NPR, and Reuters.