The federal trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate then-candidate Donald Trump, is moving swiftly into its second week. Prosecutors expect to rest their case by Friday, after presenting 13 witnesses in just two days. Judge Aileen Cannon has instructed Routh, who is representing himself, to have defense witnesses ready to testify by the end of the week.
Routh, 59, faces five charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer. Authorities say he set up a “sniper’s nest” at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club in September 2024, waiting hours with a Soviet-made SKS rifle before being spotted by a Secret Service agent.
As the federal criminal trial for Ryan Routh enters its second week, the man charged with trying to assassinate then-candidate Donald Trump last year is getting closer to calling his first witness. https://t.co/6dENQpWd6M
— WKOW 27 News (@WKOW) September 14, 2025
Jurors have heard testimony from agents, eyewitnesses, and investigators who detailed the weapons, equipment, and camera allegedly tied to Routh. His erratic courtroom behavior has prompted repeated interventions from Judge Cannon. He faces life in prison if convicted.
