FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Ryan Routh texted his three adult children and fiancée to tell them he loved them shortly before being identified by a U.S. Secret Service agent for his alleged attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida.
Later that same day, Routh spoke with his fiancée from the Palm Beach County jail, where he learned that she already knew of his arrest. “Everybody knows, it’s been hours,” she told him during a recorded phone call.
Representing himself in federal court, Routh is set to present his defense, calling only three witnesses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office had rested their case after a week of testimonies that included 38 witnesses against Routh.
According to prosecutors, Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump, aiming a rifle toward him as he played golf on September 15, 2024.
Routh, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, faced seasoned prosecutors who are seeking a life sentence for him. He has indicated his intention to call a firearms expert and two character witnesses in his defense.
In a previous court hearing, Routh explained why he chose to represent himself, stating that he felt his court-appointed attorneys did not believe he was not a dangerous person.
Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed Routh’s self-representation, ensuring he meets the criteria for competency. Since taking over his defense, he has been met with standby attorneys.
Routh's connection to previous criminal acts includes attempts to recruit soldiers during the Ukraine war and past arrests involving firearms. Current proceedings are expected to conclude soon, with jury deliberation anticipated shortly following closing arguments.
