Who is suspect in Trump assassination attempt, Ryan Routh?

September 8, 2025

of the News Article Ryan Wesley Routh, a 59-year-old man who once supported Trump but later opposed him, is facing trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt against Trump in 2024, following the July shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Routh, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and firearms violations, will represent himself at the trial beginning September 8 in Florida despite the judge's warnings against self-representation.

Who is affected

Donald Trump, the target of the alleged assassination attempt
Ryan Wesley Routh, the defendant facing potential life imprisonment
Law enforcement agencies including Secret Service and FBI involved in the investigation
The U.S. judicial system handling this high-profile case
The public following this second alleged assassination attempt against Trump in 2024

What action is being taken

Routh's trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2024, with jury selection in Fort Pierce, Florida
Routh is representing himself in court after his request was approved by Judge Aileen Cannon in July
Law enforcement is proceeding with prosecution on charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm charges
Court proceedings are continuing despite Routh's bizarre legal filings, including requests for a "beatdown session" with Trump

Why it matters

This represents the second alleged assassination attempt against Trump in 2024, highlighting serious security concerns for political figures
The case demonstrates challenges in the justice system when defendants choose to represent themselves
The suspect's history of support for Ukraine and shifting political allegiances provides context for his alleged motives
Routh's history of legal troubles, including previous weapons charges and a standoff with police, shows a pattern of concerning behavior
The trial addresses a serious threat to the democratic process by prosecuting an attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate

What's next

The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on September 8, 2024, at a federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida

Read full article from source: BBC