UPDATE: The trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, is heating up as Routh prepares to call his first witness this morning in Fort Pierce, Florida. In a surprising turn, Routh, 59, who is representing himself, is also considering testifying on his own behalf, potentially opening himself up to cross-examination by federal prosecutors.
Routh faces five serious charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer. Legal experts are closely watching the trial, which has garnered significant attention since the alleged assassination attempt took place on September 15, 2024. Routh is expected to call three witnesses, including a family member and a former Marine sniper who tested the weapon found at the scene.
According to proceedings, Routh allegedly created a “sniper’s nest” near the sixth green of Trump International Golf Club. His daughter, Sarah Routh, has been present throughout the trial, expressing her belief that her father aims to demonstrate his character in court. “I think he’s gonna try to prove, show who he is as a person,” she told reporters.
As the trial unfolds, prosecutors have already presented evidence from 38 witnesses, concluding their case last Friday. Notably, Kimberly McGreevy, an FBI supervisory special agent, detailed extensive evidence collected in the weeks leading up to the incident, including call logs, text messages, and video surveillance.
Prosecutors revealed alarming details about Routh’s alleged intentions. Cellphone records indicate he was “in the vicinity” of the golf club for weeks prior to the incident, including a suspicious 16-hour stay on September 2. Investigators cited Routh’s search history on a “burner phone,” which included terms like “Trump’s upcoming rallies” and “Palm Beach traffic cameras.”
Routh reportedly devised an elaborate escape plan, involving multiple license plates, three aliases, and searches for “directions to Miami airport” and “flights to Mexico.” In a chilling detail, text messages allegedly show Routh communicating with a friend in Mexico, stating, “I may see you Monday,” just a day after the assassination attempt.
The emotional stakes are high as Routh sent heartfelt text messages to his children less than an hour before he allegedly planned to shoot Trump. His daughter Sarah received a message at 12:55 p.m.: “Love you so much, you are the best daughter.” His son Adam and son Orin received identical messages a minute later, prompting Orin to respond with concern: “Love you too, Dad. What’s up? Everything alright?”
Routh was arrested while fleeing north on Florida’s Interstate 95 shortly after the alleged attempt. His trial is not only a legal battle but a family tragedy, with Sarah Routh standing by her father’s side throughout.
As the trial progresses today, the nation waits with bated breath to see how Routh’s testimony and his witness’s accounts will unfold, marking a pivotal moment in this high-profile case. Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
