Trial Begins for Ryan Routh in Alleged Attempt to Assassinate Donald Trump
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The federal trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, officially commenced in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Monday, September 8, 2025. Routh, who faces multiple federal and state charges including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, is representing himself as proceedings get underway under U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon.
Jury selection began on Monday morning with prosecutors and Routh questioning potential jurors to evaluate their ability to fairly weigh the case. Routh, dressed in a gray suit and wearing ankle shackles, asked a series of unusual questions unrelated to the case—such as jurors’ opinions on the Gaza conflict and the U.S. acquiring Greenland—prompting Judge Cannon to admonish him for politically charged and irrelevant inquiries. The courtroom is tasked with seating 12 jurors and four alternates for what is expected to be a trial lasting two to four weeks.
Details of the Alleged Assassination Attempt and Charges
Prosecutors allege that Routh systematically planned to kill Trump over several weeks. The alleged attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, at Trump’s West Palm Beach country club while Trump was playing golf. Authorities said Routh aimed a military-grade rifle through shrubbery at Trump but was spotted by a Secret Service agent before Trump came into view. The agent opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.
In addition to the attempted assassination charge, Routh faces four other counts, including using a firearm in the commission of a crime, possessing a firearm as a felon, assaulting a federal officer, and using a gun with a defaced serial number. He also faces state-level terrorism and attempted murder charges.
Federal prosecutors say Routh acquired over a dozen burner phones, researched Trump’s movements, and attempted to purchase anti-aircraft weapons from an individual he believed was a Ukrainian with military access. Court documents include a chilling note allegedly written by Routh, addressed “Dear World,” which read, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.”
Background and Defense Strategy
Routh, a former construction worker with a criminal history involving felony convictions in North Carolina from 2002 and 2010, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite lacking legal training, he has chosen to represent himself, expressing in a June letter to Judge Cannon that it was “[b]est I walk alone.”
Routh’s online history reveals a complicated relationship with Trump, initially supporting him in 2016 but later describing him as a “fool” and “buffoon” in a self-published 2023 book titled Ukraine’s Unwinnable War. The defense’s plans remain largely undisclosed, although Routh has submitted a witness list including his son, a former girlfriend, multiple activists, and even Trump himself. In pretrial filings, Routh has made unusual requests such as female strippers and a putting green to prepare for a golf match with Trump, reflecting a procedurally unorthodox defense.
What to Expect in the Trial
Opening statements are anticipated as early as Thursday, following the conclusion of jury selection. Prosecutors plan to present physical evidence including the rifle allegedly used by Routh and ammunition. The government also intends to use Routh’s own words and correspondence to demonstrate intent and a substantial step towards committing the crime.
Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump, will preside over the trial, which has drawn significant attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the seriousness of the charges. Observers note that the case could last up to four weeks but may conclude earlier depending on the progress of testimony and legal arguments.
The trial marks a culmination of an extensive federal investigation into what authorities describe as a dangerous and well-planned assassination plot targeting a former U.S. president during a contentious election season.