FORT PIERCE, Fla. — On the brink of significant legal proceedings, Ryan Routh reached out separately to his fiancée and children, expressing his love just prior to being apprehended by U.S. Secret Service agents for an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course.
Shortly after his arrest, Routh attempted to contact his fiancée from the Palm Beach County jail, but she informed him that news of his actions had already circulated widely. Routh, who has chosen to represent himself in federal court, has begun his defense, calling upon a limited number of witnesses.
The prosecution, led by experienced attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, has presented a substantial case over the course of a week, involving 38 witnesses aimed at ensuring Routh faces a life sentence. They allege Routh meticulously plotted a scheme to kill Trump, culminating in an incident on September 15, 2024, when he reportedly aimed a rifle at the former president as he played golf.
Despite Routh's claims of innocence regarding the charge of attempting to kill a major presidential candidate, he faces additional charges including assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed him to proceed in representing himself, having deemed him competent. This decision follows two prior hearings where Routh expressed dissatisfaction with his court-appointed attorneys, lamenting their inability to convey his character accurately to the court.
In a testimony, a Secret Service agent recounted the moments leading to the alleged attack, detailing how he spotted Routh before Trump appeared and had to fire his weapon to prevent what could have been a deadly situation. After fleeing the scene without firing a shot, Routh was quickly apprehended, thanks in part to eyewitness accounts.
Having a history marked by prior arrests related to weaponry and a penchant for militaristic rhetoric, Routh's past adds another layer to the ongoing trial. On several occasions, including during the early stages of the Ukraine conflict, he attempted to recruit individuals to join him in alleged militant endeavors.
As the trial continues, arguments from both sides are anticipated to conclude soon, with the jury set to deliberate as closing statements are expected shortly. Routh’s future remains uncertain as he navigates his defense unassisted in a high-profile legal battle against serious federal indictments.
