Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Trump Assassination Plot Trial
Ryan Routh, 59, pleaded not guilty as his trial began for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club last year.
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Overview
- Ryan Routh, 59, pleaded not guilty as his trial commenced for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club last year.
- Prosecutors allege Routh methodically plotted the assassination, aiming an SKS-style rifle through shrubbery, and faces charges of assaulting a federal officer.
- Jury selection is underway for the four-week trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, with Routh representing himself and submitting rants against President Trump.
- A Secret Service agent reportedly spotted Routh before President Trump was in view, and a witness assisted law enforcement by reporting a fleeing person.
- Routh was arrested after fleeing the scene without firing a shot, with court exhibits including photos of him with a semi-automatic rifle.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the defendant's erratic behavior and the chaotic nature of his self-representation. They highlight his outlandish court filings and the judge's rebukes, collectively portraying him as a disruptive force rather than focusing on a balanced presentation of his defense strategy. This editorial choice underscores the severity of the alleged crime against a former president.
"Jury selection in the case of the man accused of trying to kill Donald Trump on his golf course last year got off to a rocky start Monday morning."
ABC News"Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a man charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump while he played golf last year in South Florida."
Chicago Tribune"Prosecutors say Routh methodically plotted to kill Mr. Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Mr. Trump played golf on Sept. 15 at his West Palm Beach country club."
CBS News"Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the trial of a man charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump while he played golf last year in South Florida."
ABC News"A key piece of evidence at the trial will be the SKS-style rifle left behind in what prosecutors describe as a "sniper's nest" near the golf course in West Palm Beach."
NPR"Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the trial of a man charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump while he played golf last year in South Florida."
Associated PressArticles (12)
Center (6)
FAQ
Ryan Routh faces federal charges including attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, as well as state charges of attempted murder and terrorism.
After being spotted aiming a rifle in shrubbery near the golf course, a Secret Service agent fired a warning shot. Routh fled the scene in a Nissan SUV but was arrested shortly after based on a witness's description and a photograph of his vehicle, which aided authorities in tracking him down.
No, Ryan Routh did not fire any shots during the incident; he dropped his weapon and fled after a Secret Service agent fired in his direction.
Ryan Routh, previously residing in North Carolina and later Hawaii where he owned a construction company, was an outspoken critic of President Trump and supporter of Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. He reportedly volunteered to fight for Ukraine and had published derogatory statements about Trump in his self-published book.
Jury selection for Ryan Routh's four-week trial has begun, presided over by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. Routh is representing himself and has submitted rants against President Trump as part of the court proceedings.
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