Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Self-Represented Routh Begins Defense in Trial Over Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt

Prosecutors have rested after seven days, with the judge setting closings for Tuesday.

This courtroom sketch shows lead government prosecutor John Shipley speaking during the opening statements of the during the trial of Ryan Routh, who is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at a golf course in South Florida, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Fla. (Lothar Speer via AP)
This courtroom sketch shows Secret Service agent Robert Fercano holding up the weapon found in the bushes during opening statements in the trial of Ryan Routh, who is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at a golf course in South Florida, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Fla. (Lothar Speer via AP)
This courtroom sketch shows Secret Service agent Robert Fercano identifying the defendant in the trial of Ryan Routh, who is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at a golf course in South Florida, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Fla. (Lothar Speer via AP)
A pickup truck decorated in support of President Donald Trump sits parked outside the Alto Lee Adams Sr. U.S. Courthouse, after the start of jury selection in the trial of Ryan Routh, charged with trying to assassinate Trump while he played golf last year in South Florida, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Overview

  • Ryan Routh plans to call three witnesses, including a family member and a former Marine sniper who test‑fired the SKS rifle found at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, and he has said he may testify.
  • U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon told attorneys to be ready for Tuesday closings with 1 hour 45 minutes per side, after which the jury will begin deliberations.
  • Prosecutors rested Friday after presenting 38 witnesses and extensive digital and physical evidence they say shows weeks of planning, including burner‑phone records, surveillance video, clothing and rifle photos, and searches about rallies, traffic cameras, and travel.
  • An FBI agent testified that data placed Routh near the course for extended periods in the weeks before Sept. 15, 2024, and that messages and searches suggested a getaway plan involving aliases, multiple license plates, and travel to Mexico.
  • A Secret Service agent testified that Routh aimed a rifle before the agent opened fire, prompting Routh to flee; he was arrested on I‑95 and identified by a witness flown to the scene by police helicopter.