High-Stakes Trial Kicks Off for Man Accused in Trump Assassination Plot
High-Stakes Trial Kicks Off for Man Accused in Trump Assassination Plot
Jury selection is underway this week in a federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida, for the trial of Ryan Routh, the 59-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump in September 2024. Routh faces serious charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Presiding over the high-profile case is Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously drew criticism for her handling of Trump’s classified documents case in 2024. Routh has controversially chosen to represent himself, a decision experts note often shifts the focus from defense to using the trial as a platform for personal messages. His bizarre court filings include challenging Trump to a “beatdown session” or a round of golf, and even requesting “female strippers” to prepare for trial.
Prosecutors are expected to present eyewitness testimony, statements from those who allegedly sold Routh the rifle, and a letter reportedly from Routh confessing, “This was an an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.” The defense, Routh argues, will center on his record of peacefulness, despite the alleged sniper’s nest discovered near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, where investigators found an SKS rifle loaded with 11 bullets.
Routh’s attempts to include testimony from doctors who diagnosed him with narcissistic personality disorder and other mixed personality features have been denied by Judge Cannon, who noted Routh had previously stated he would not pursue a mental health defense. While Routh navigates the legal proceedings himself, public defenders who previously represented him have been ordered to serve as standby counsel, available for advice as the trial progresses. If convicted, Routh faces a potential life sentence.
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