Jurors in the federal trial of Ryan Routh heard testimony Tuesday from FBI digital and DNA specialists who linked communications and physical evidence to the defendant in the case accusing him of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf club in 2024.
An FBI digital forensic examiner testified that WhatsApp messages and other material recovered from a Samsung phone seized from a black Nissan Xterra registered to Routh included exchanges critical of the president and references prosecutors say are relevant to the alleged plot. A separate FBI DNA examiner testified that laboratory testing strongly associated Routh’s DNA with components of a rifle and several items found near where prosecutors contend the rifle was staged.
FBI digital forensic examiner Jerry Llanes told the jury agents recovered a Samsung device from the Nissan Xterra that contained WhatsApp messages including a Feb. 3, 2024, exchange with a contact saved as "Chinese hero to fight." According to his testimony, Routh wrote in that chain, "I know it’s very different… I think Kennedy was killed from a hill… Certainly not an easy task. If I can help, just let me know what to do."
Llanes also described other WhatsApp threads in which Routh criticized President Trump. In a conversation with a contact saved as "Ben," Llanes testified Routh asked, "What do you think of Trump?" and later wrote, "I hate him," adding, "Shan't get elected again." In a thread with a contact listed as "Captain Talk Recruiting," Llanes said Routh wrote that Mr. Trump would be "a big problem for Ukraine" and called him "an idiot," citing cancellation of the Iran nuclear deal.
Llanes said images from another device showed flight searches from Miami to Mexico and Bogotá, Colombia, and included a photograph that "appears to be a rifle tied to a tree," which prosecutors have described as consistent with surveillance and preparation surrounding the alleged attempt.
FBI DNA examiner Kara Gregor testified that testing linked Routh’s DNA to the grip of a rifle and to several items prosecutors say were recovered with the weapon, including a reddish-brown bag, a zip tie, a bungee cord and a glove. On cross-examination, Gregor testified that the DNA result on the rifle was "250 centillion times more likely if the contributors were Routh and two unknown individuals than if the contributors were three unknown individuals," reflecting the laboratory's statistical assessment.
Routh, who is representing himself, challenged Gregor on cross-examination, questioning whether other items had been tested. He enumerated objects sarcastically — including a Colt .45 case and a blue flashlight — and asked whether they had been examined. Gregor responded that many of the items he named were not tested or she could not recall testing them.
Before jurors entered the courtroom, Routh confirmed he would not call his son, Oran Routh, as a witness, telling the court, "As far as I’m concerned, we’re going to exclude my son." Judge Aileen Cannon told Routh he could not later revisit that decision. The judge cut off both prosecutors and Routh multiple times during the hearing, at one point asking, "How much longer is this going to take?" and admonishing Routh to stop interrupting. When Routh complained about detention conditions, saying, "I don’t have hot water and can’t shower … I won’t shower for a month," Judge Cannon directed him to proper administrative procedures.
Prosecutors indicated the presentation of their case is moving quickly and are expected to finish calling witnesses by Friday, with Routh planning to call witnesses next week. The trial is being held in Fort Pierce, Florida. Routh was arrested Sept. 15, 2024, in Palm Beach County on charges alleging an attempted assassination at the West Palm Beach golf club.
The testimony Tuesday further laid out the government's theory that digital records, travel-related searches and physical evidence found with a rifle connect Routh to preparation for a violent act against a political figure. The defense, led by Routh himself, has mounted aggressive cross-examination of forensic witnesses while narrowing its witness list. The trial continues Wednesday with additional forensic testimony expected.
This federal prosecution has drawn attention because of the target named in the indictment and because Routh is conducting his own defense. The proceedings are part of a broader set of legal and security questions that have followed attempts and threats against public officials in recent years, and prosecutors have emphasized the role of electronic evidence and forensic testing in establishing movements and contacts relevant to the alleged offense.