Alleged Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Faces Trial in Florida

Ryan Routh, a 59-year-old construction worker from North Carolina and resident of Hawaii, goes on trial for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during a golf outing at Trump International Golf Club in Florida in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. Prosecutors allege Routh concealed himself with a rifle near the sixth green and attempted to shoot Trump but was spotted by a U.S. Secret Service agent who fired at him, causing Routh to flee without firing a shot. This incident is considered the second attempt on President Trump's life within two months, following a prior shooting that wounded Trump in the ear. Routh pleaded not guilty and, after firing his legal team, is representing himself at trial, with standby counsel available. He has submitted unusual filings, including challenges to Trump for a golf game or physical fight, and has sought to introduce expert testimony about his own narcissism. The trial will take place in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, with Judge Aileen Cannon presiding and jury selection beginning Monday.