In brief
In a dramatic trial at the Fort Pierce federal courthouse, Ryan Routh has been charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Routh, who is representing himself, plans to call only a few witnesses for his defense after prosecutors presented a substantial case over several days. His actions on the day of the attack, communications with his family prior to the incident, and previous legal troubles are coming under scrutiny. The court is expected to conclude the trial soon, with closing arguments scheduled shortly.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Routh texted his three adult children and his fiancée separately to express his love shortly before a Secret Service agent identified him as the man who attempted to kill President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course. Later, during a call from jail, Routh learned that his arrest had made headlines. Representing himself in federal court, Routh faces serious charges, including attempted assassination, as the prosecution rests its case after week-long proceedings with numerous witnesses.According to authorities, Routh meticulously planned the attack, which occurred as Trump played golf on September 15, 2024. U.S. prosecutors are striving to ensure he spends his life in prison, following a premeditated plot to assassinate a major presidential candidate.Routh has pleaded not guilty and is expected to present a limited defense, aiming to call only three witnesses as he tries to argue against the prosecution's claims. His former attorneys remain available as standby counsel to support him during the trial, which is progressing at a quicker pace than anticipated due to the brevity of his cross-examinations.During the trial, it was revealed that Routh, a construction worker, had a history of violent plans, including attempts to recruit soldiers for overseas conflicts. His criminal history includes previous charges of possession of a weapon and theft, showcasing a concerning pattern of behavior leading up to the assassination attempt.
