News | Port St. Lucie

Routh Rests Case in Trump Attempted Assassination Trial

September 22, 2025
4:03 pm

Ryan Routh rested his case in the Trump attempted assassination trial on Monday, concluding his defense in federal court in Fort Pierce federal courthouse. The trial centers on allegations that Routh tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a golf course near West Palm Beach in September 2024. For a detailed look at the charges, see the specific allegations against Ryan Routh.

Trump Attempted Assassination Trial: Defense Concludes in Fort Pierce

The Trump attempted assassination trial reached a critical stage as Ryan Routh, representing himself, finished presenting his defense. According to court proceedings, Routh questioned a firearms expert and two character witnesses before resting his case. Judge Aileen Cannon confirmed that closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, after which the jury will begin deliberations.

Key Testimony From Firearms Expert in Trump Attempted Assassination Trial

Routh called Michael McClay, a sniper instructor and former Marine sniper, as his primary witness. McClay conducted a shooting test on the rifle involved in the alleged assassination attempt. He testified that the weapon fired the bullet in the chamber but failed to load a second round.

During questioning, Routh attempted to suggest that his intent was not to kill Trump, noting that no shot was fired. However, McClay stated that Routh could have attempted to shoot someone on the golf course, including Trump, who was present at the time. According to McClay, the gun’s failure to fire a second round did not preclude the possibility of a fatal shot.

McClay also observed that Routh did an “adequate” job blending in with his surroundings. The prosecution, during cross-examination, highlighted that the gun already had a bullet in the chamber—a step that would have required deliberate action by Routh. Prosecutors also noted that the serial numbers on the firearm had been destroyed, and McClay confirmed that one bullet could have been fatal.

Character Witnesses and Routh’s Defense Strategy

Routh’s remaining witnesses included a former employee and a friend of his son. Both described Routh as a generous person who helped others and stated they were unaware of him harming anyone. However, prosecutors pointed out that the witnesses had not maintained regular contact with Routh in recent years, limiting their insight into his current character.

Throughout his questioning, Routh struggled to maintain focus, often deviating from relevant topics. Judge Cannon intervened to instruct Routh to keep his questions related to the case. After a brief recess, Routh concluded his direct examination of the witnesses.

Prosecution’s Case in the Trump Attempted Assassination Trial

The prosecution rested its case last Friday after seven days of testimony from 38 witnesses. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Routh spent weeks planning the alleged attempt to kill Trump, aiming a rifle through shrubbery as Trump played golf on September 15, 2024. For more on the events leading up to the trial, including surveillance and law enforcement response, see the coverage of the man staking out Trump at the Palm Beach golf course.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Routh texted his three adult children and fiancée to tell them he loved them shortly before the incident. According to cellphone records, Routh then called his fiancée from jail after his arrest. The prosecution argued that these actions indicated premeditation.

Secret Service and Law Enforcement Testimony

According to testimony from a U.S. Secret Service agent, Routh was spotted before Trump came into view. The agent stated that Routh aimed his rifle at him, prompting the agent to open fire. Routh then dropped his weapon and fled without firing a shot, according to the agent’s account.

Law enforcement officials reported that a witness saw a person fleeing the area after hearing gunshots. The witness was transported by helicopter to a nearby interstate, where Routh was arrested and identified as the suspect. These details were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence linking Routh to the alleged assassination attempt. For further insight into the arrest, you can view the arrest video related to Ryan Wesley Routh.

Background of Ryan Routh and Legal Proceedings

Routh, a former construction worker from North Carolina who had recently moved to Hawaii, has a history of legal issues. According to police records, he was previously arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and possessing illegal weapons. In 2010, authorities found stolen property in a warehouse he owned. In both cases, Routh received probation or suspended sentences.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations. He also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. The U.S. Supreme Court allows criminal defendants to represent themselves if they are deemed competent, and Routh’s former attorneys have served as standby counsel during the trial.

Judge Cannon originally allocated more than three weeks for the trial at the Fort Pierce federal courthouse, but the proceedings have moved faster than expected due to Routh’s brief cross-examinations. Each side is expected to have one hour and 45 minutes for closing arguments.

Security and Previous Incidents

The Trump attempted assassination trial follows another high-profile incident just nine weeks earlier, when Trump survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. In that case, the gunman fired eight shots, grazing Trump’s ear before being fatally shot by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

In the current case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) presented digital evidence and witness testimony to establish Routh’s presence and actions around the time of the alleged attempt. Officials reported that Routh had been seen near the golf course in the days leading up to the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trump Attempted Assassination Trial

What is the Trump attempted assassination trial about?

The Trump attempted assassination trial involves Ryan Routh, who is accused of trying to kill former President Donald Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024. The trial is taking place in federal court in Fort Pierce.

How much evidence has been presented in the Trump attempted assassination trial?

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecutors questioned 38 witnesses over seven days. Evidence included testimony from law enforcement, digital records, and forensic analysis of the weapon.

Are there any confirmed injuries from the Trump attempted assassination attempt?

No injuries were reported in the alleged attempt involving Ryan Routh. According to official sources, no shots were fired at Trump, and Routh fled the scene after being confronted by a Secret Service agent.

Can you represent yourself in a federal trial like the Trump attempted assassination case?

Yes, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that defendants have the right to represent themselves if they are found competent. In this case, Ryan Routh chose to act as his own attorney, with standby counsel present.