The federal trial of Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf club in September 2024, began Thursday after a 12-member jury and four alternates were seated Wednesday.
Opening arguments are scheduled for Thursday at the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce. Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, will preside over a trial prosecutors expect to last two to four weeks.
The panel seated Wednesday comprises six White women, four White men, one Black woman and one Black man; the four alternates are two White women and two White men. Roughly 180 prospective jurors were summoned in three waves. More than 70 people were dismissed during the selection process, with many citing strong views about Trump, ties to law enforcement or concerns about their ability to remain impartial in a politically charged case. Routh, who has declined public defense and is representing himself, questioned some prospective jurors and posed unconventional queries about topics including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and what they would do if a turtle crossed the road while driving.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Federal prosecutors allege Routh was armed with an AK-style rifle when Secret Service agents stopped him near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach in September 2024.
Authorities arrested Routh on Sept. 15, 2024, after the alleged incident. The alleged attempt occurred months after a separate, earlier attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which Trump was shot and survived, according to court filings and public statements at the time.
Judge Cannon ruled earlier that Routh may represent himself at trial. Federal courts permit defendants to proceed pro se if the judge finds the waiver of counsel is knowing, voluntary and intelligent. High-profile defendants have chosen self-representation in the past; prosecutors and defense counsel must nevertheless satisfy procedural safeguards and evidentiary rules throughout the proceedings.
Prosecutors signaled they would move swiftly to present their case once opening statements conclude. The government must prove each element of the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. Routh’s decision to represent himself is likely to shape courtroom dynamics, including questioning of witnesses and procedural exchanges with the judge.
Observers expected the trial to draw high public interest because it involves an alleged attack on a former president and 2024 presidential candidate. Courtrooms in the federal district have procedures in place to accommodate media coverage and public attendance while maintaining courtroom decorum and security.
With jurors seated and opening arguments scheduled, the trial will proceed through evidentiary phases that could include testimony from Secret Service agents, forensic and firearms experts, and other witnesses called by the government and by Routh if he elects to present a defense. The case file shows the government’s charges and the procedural rulings to date; further developments, including witness lists and evidentiary disputes, are expected in the coming days as the court calendar advances.