Jury selection begins Monday, Sept. 8, in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the case of Ryan Routh, accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump in 2024. Judge Aileen Cannon has granted his request to serve as his own lawyer, with court-appointed counsel remaining in a backup role, according to The Associated Press.
Opening statements are set for Sept. 11. The court has set aside four weeks for the trial, though attorneys expect it could take less time.
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What are the charges?
Routh pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer and several firearms violations. He also faces state counts of terrorism and attempted murder, to which he has also pleaded not guilty. If convicted of the federal charges, Routh could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Prosecutors allege Routh staked out the Trump International Golf Club for about 12 hours on Sept. 15, 2024, after weeks of preparation. A Secret Service agent reportedly saw the barrel of a rifle before Trump appeared. Authorities say Routh aimed at the agent, who fired first, forcing him to abandon the weapon and flee without taking a shot.
What evidence is expected?
On Tuesday, Judge Cannon unsealed a 33-page list of exhibits prosecutors plan to present. The file reportedly includes photos of Routh holding the same type of semi-automatic rifle recovered at the club, along with electronic communications taken from his phone. Investigators say the messages show Routh requesting flight information on Trump’s plane, discussing sniper tactics related to the Kennedy assassination and even asking about obtaining a missile launcher.
Prosecutors said a witness saw someone leaving the scene and later confirmed Routh’s identity, which led to his arrest along a nearby interstate.
What has Routh said?
In court, Routh complained that his attorneys worked hard but ignored his direction and acted out of fear. He wrote from jail in January that he would rather be traded in a prisoner exchange than spend his life behind bars without purpose.
Judge Cannon instructed him to appear in professional attire and said he may use a podium during the trial. She also warned that court security would act quickly if he made any sudden or unexpected moves.
