Ryan Routh Rests Defense in Florida Trump Assassination Trial

Ryan Routh is on trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024. Representing himself, Routh rested his defense after calling three witnesses: a firearms expert and two character witnesses who testified to his peaceful and generous nature. The defense emphasized Routh's nonviolent character, contrasting with the prosecution's presentation of surveillance, phone data, financial transactions, and testimonies linking Routh to Trump’s movements and the alleged plot. A firearms expert testified that the rifle found was semi-automatic but had operational issues, and Routh questioned the possibility of successfully executing an attack from the hideout. Prosecutors had introduced extensive evidence including Secret Service and FBI testimony, satellite and surveillance records, and financial transactions possibly involving Routh. Closing arguments are scheduled to follow the defense's case, with Routh facing life imprisonment if convicted.