FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Federal testimony continued Tuesday in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump as he played golf in September 2024, with an FBI firearms expert saying the rifle recovered at the scene had been "prepared to fire."
FBI Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner Erich Smith told jurors the weapon found near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club was a Chinese-made Norinco SKS that was "in working condition" when recovered. Smith said agents test-fired the rifle at an FBI laboratory and that it was configured with a round in the chamber and the safety off when seized. He added that the rifle's serial number had been "obliterated in several places" but could be partially restored. Smith displayed 7.62x39 mm full metal jacket rounds loaded in the rifle, saying, "Bullets are designed to put holes in things. It would have put a hole in something if it had hit the target."
Routh, who is representing himself, conducted portions of the cross-examination. He questioned whether all SKS rifles are semi-automatic, whether the test firings were videotaped and whether the gun could have passed through other hands at a gun show prior to his acquisition of it. During one exchange, Routh asked, "So, we're just supposed to take your word for it?" Smith replied, "That's what happened." Judge Aileen Cannon sustained prosecution objections when Routh's questioning strayed beyond the scope of the witness's testimony.
The court also heard from FBI biologist Curtis Gaul, who described collecting possible DNA samples from the rifle grip, a glove, zip ties and other items found in connection with the investigation. Jurors at times appeared confused during Gaul's testimony as prosecutors referenced exhibit numbers that were not always displayed on courtroom screens.
Routh was observed leaning forward, taking notes and watching intently when the prosecution displayed what it said were fingerprints matching his own on a screen. Cannon intervened several times during testimony, urging both the prosecution and the defendant to keep examinations focused and moving.
When the trial resumes, prosecutors are expected to call FBI biologist Kara Gregor and additional specialists in digital forensics and supervisory roles as they continue to present forensic evidence they say links Routh to the scene. The case is being heard in federal court in Fort Pierce, with jurors deciding whether the government has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Routh attempted to kill the former president during the September 2024 incident at the West Palm Beach golf club.
Routh has drawn attention in the courtroom for representing himself and for conduct the judge and prosecutors have at times faulted as disruptive. The prosecution has outlined what it describes as a sniper-style setup, including a rifle, optics and other equipment found near the sixth hole. Defense strategy has included questioning the chain of custody for items, the handling and testing of the weapon and whether forensic findings conclusively tie Routh to the rifle.
The trial follows Routh's indictment in federal court on charges related to the alleged attempt. Courtroom testimony and exhibits are likely to remain technical and forensic as the government calls specialists to explain how physical evidence was recovered, processed and analyzed. Jury deliberations will follow testimony and closing arguments once both sides have presented their cases.