Verdict Looms in Trump Assassination Attempt Trial as Closing Arguments Conclude
Verdict Looms in Trump Assassination Attempt Trial as Closing Arguments Conclude
FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The high-profile trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump in September 2024, is nearing its conclusion. With closing arguments underway this Tuesday morning, jurors are set to begin deliberations immediately, bringing the weeks-long proceedings to a critical juncture.
Routh, who is representing himself, rested his defense on Monday after declining to testify. His presentation included questioning a firearms expert, Michael McClay, who testified about the rifle’s potential malfunctions and the scope’s improper mounting, suggesting Routh might have been unable to fire multiple shots. Two character witnesses also spoke on Routh’s behalf, describing him as peaceful, though they conceded they hadn’t seen him in years.
Prosecutors maintain that Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump, aiming a rifle at him as he golfed at his Mar-a-Lago Club on September 15, 2024. A Secret Service agent previously testified to spotting Routh and opening fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without discharging it. Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm violations.
The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, has moved at a quicker pace than anticipated. The incident at Mar-a-Lago followed another attempt on Trump’s life just nine weeks prior during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
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