The trial for the man accused of attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump began contentiously as the defendant, Ryan Routh, representing himself, was stopped by Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon for veering off-topic during his opening statement. Routh’s address touched on various unrelated subjects, prompting the judge to halt his presentation and dismiss the jury temporarily. Routh expressed a desire to discuss non-violence, but Cannon had cautioned him earlier about maintaining the decorum of the courtroom.
Routh, aged 59, has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, which carries a potential life sentence. The trial commenced following the tragic shooting of right-wing activist and Trump supporter Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, highlighting the recurring political violence in the country. Notably, during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, he faced two assassination attempts that forced him back to the White House.
Prosecutors claim that Routh, armed with a rifle, concealed himself near the sixth-hole green at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, aiming to kill Trump while he played golf on September 15, 2024. Prosecutor John Shipley emphasized that Routh’s motive was to prevent Trump’s election as president by eliminating him, depriving American voters of their choice.
Shipley alleged that Routh meticulously planned the assassination for weeks, traveling from Hawaii to North Carolina and ultimately to West Palm Beach in a family vehicle equipped with multiple cellphones and stolen license plates. He monitored Trump’s activities for about a month, visiting the golf course approximately 17 times. Special Agent Robert Fercano of the U.S. Secret Service testified that he encountered Routh aiming a rifle at him through a fence, leading to a confrontation where Fercano fired in Routh’s direction, causing him to flee.
The trial unfolds against the backdrop of Routh’s tumultuous life as a struggling roofing contractor, known for his advocacy for democracy in Taiwan and Ukraine. Routh, who expressed distrust in legal representation by strangers, opted to defend himself in court with the assistance of his former public defenders serving as standby lawyers.
The case is being heard by a jury consisting of seven women and five men. Notably, the trial occurs at the same courthouse and in front of the same judge who presided over Trump’s previous criminal case concerning classified documents. Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump in 2020, dismissed that case prior to trial proceedings.
