Ryan Routh faces charges for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump while he played golf in 2024; trial has officially begun.
Trial Begins for Man Accused of Trying to Kill Trump
Opening statements are set to start Thursday in the trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump while he was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024. Routh, who is representing himself in court, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutors say Routh carefully planned the attack for weeks. On the day of the incident, he aimed a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf. A U.S. Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. When Routh aimed the rifle at the agent, the agent fired, forcing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing any shots.
Background on Ryan Routh
- Age: 59
- Former North Carolina construction worker, recently lived in Hawaii
- Self-described mercenary leader
- Previously arrested in 2002 for barricading himself with automatic weapons
- Attempted to recruit fighters for the war in Ukraine
Courtroom Proceedings and Jury Details
Ryan Routh dismissed his court-appointed attorneys and is representing himself, though his lawyers remain on standby. Unlike previous hearings where Routh was shackled and wore a jail jumpsuit, he now appears unrestrained and dressed in formal attire for the jury.
The jury consists of 12 members and 4 alternates, including a mix of white and Black men and women, selected from a pool of 180 potential jurors. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks.
Related Attempts on Trump’s Life
This attack comes just nine weeks after another assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired eight shots, grazing Trump’s ear before being stopped by a Secret Service sniper.
Judge Presiding Over the Case
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, is presiding over the trial. She previously attracted attention for dismissing a high-profile case involving Trump’s classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
What’s Next?
The trial is a major event, with the nation closely watching proceedings as the court determines the fate of Ryan Routh and assesses the seriousness of the threats made against U.S. president.
