Prosecutors to rest case in Trump assassination attempt trial as defense preps witnesses
Federal prosecutors near the end of their case against Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club in 2024; defense expected to present witnesses after closing arguments.
Prosecutors are expected to rest their case Friday in the federal trial of Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in September 2024. Routh is representing himself with standby counsel.
On Thursday, ATF Destructive Device Examiner Randy Walters testified that a gray storage box linked to Routh contained improvised firing mechanisms and parts designed to deliver a .50 caliber round. Walters said seven partially assembled devices were inside a bag in the box, and that the repetition suggested someone was attempting or tinkering with new ideas. On cross-examination, Routh asked whether the items were legal to possess; Walters responded that the devices were not assembled, but that it is illegal for convicted felons to possess .50 caliber ammunition.
FBI Special Agent Nicholas Schnelle, described as an expert in sniper tradecraft, testified that investigators found a hideout near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club that investigators described as a final firing point with multiple shooting lanes. He said the makeshift fence provided support for the rifle, and he compared the weapon to an SKS rifle, noting it is similar to an AK-47. He demonstrated the firearm's safety for the jury during testimony.
Cross-examining Schnelle, Routh asked whether the sniper hideout was well-concealed. Schnelle replied that it was well concealed and noted that red and blue bungee cords shown at the scene were colors found in the natural environment. Routh's children, Sara and Adam, were in court watching closely. FBI phone extractions and DNA testimony were highlighted on Day 7 of the trial.
Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, periodically interrupted when Routh continued speaking after objections, reminding the jury that the defendant is only on trial for the listed charges. The court is scheduled to break Friday afternoon for a charge conference with counsel; jurors could begin hearing from Routh's witnesses — including a firearms expert and potential character witnesses — once the defense begins.
The proceedings in Fort Pierce, Florida, are part of a federal case filed after investigators said they found a plan to attack the president at a West Palm Beach golf venue in 2024. Prosecutors have presented physical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis to support the charges, while the defense has signaled it will challenge aspects of the government’s case with its own witnesses when it begins.