Ryan Routh to stand trial for alleged Trump assassination attempt

September 8, 2025

A North Carolina man, Ryan Wesley Routh, faces trial this week in Florida for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club on September 15, 2024. According to federal prosecutors, Routh was spotted hiding in bushes with an SKS semiautomatic rifle near Trump's golf course, fired at a Secret Service agent when discovered, and fled before being apprehended on Interstate 95. Despite Judge Aileen Cannon's advice against it, Routh has chosen to represent himself in the trial where he faces multiple charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.

Who is affected

Donald Trump (target of the alleged assassination attempt)
Ryan Wesley Routh (the defendant)
U.S. Secret Service (faced scrutiny over protection capabilities)
Federal court system handling the case
American public concerned about political violence

What action is being taken

Ryan Wesley Routh is standing trial in Florida for the alleged assassination attempt
Jury selection and opening statements are beginning on Monday, September 8
Judge Aileen Cannon is presiding over the trial in a federal courthouse in Fort Pierce
Court-appointed legal counsel remains on standby despite Routh choosing to represent himself
The government is prosecuting Routh on multiple serious federal charges

Why it matters

This incident was the second assassination attempt against Trump in a short period, underscoring concerns about political violence during the 2024 election
The case prompted intense scrutiny of the Secret Service's ability to protect high-profile candidates
The defendant's unusual decision to represent himself may impact the trial proceedings
The case involves serious charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate
The trial is occurring in the same courthouse where Trump previously faced classified documents charges

What's next

Jury selection begins Monday, September 8, followed by opening statements
The trial will proceed with Routh representing himself despite the judge's recommendation against it
Court-appointed legal counsel will remain on standby throughout the trial
No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the trial proceedings

Read full article from source: BBC