Minutes into his trial, Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump, got cut off by the judge for veering off topic. Modern trials seem to eliminate all that is human, Routh, who is defending himself, told jurors as he began his opening remarks on Thursday. He opened with a history of human existence but was quickly interrupted by Judge Aileen Cannon, who instructed him to stick to the case.
For the prosecution, attorney John Shipley Jr stated that Routh's actions during the 2024 election represented an attempt to take the choice away from the American people. Key pieces of evidence include cellphone data, security footage, a handwritten note by Routh expressing the intention to kill Trump, and eyewitness testimony.
The first government witness, US Secret Service agent Robert Fercano, testified about discovering Routh during a patrol at Trump's West Palm Beach golf course, identifying him as the person hiding with a weapon. As Fercano described the confrontation, he recounted calling for backup after realizing he was staring down the muzzle of Routh’s AK-style weapon.
Routh is facing five charges, including attempted assassination and illegal firearms possession, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The jury features 7 women and 5 men, along with 4 alternates. Routh attempted to dismiss potential jurors with law enforcement backgrounds, but the judge denied his request, stating his reasons were insufficient.
For the prosecution, attorney John Shipley Jr stated that Routh's actions during the 2024 election represented an attempt to take the choice away from the American people. Key pieces of evidence include cellphone data, security footage, a handwritten note by Routh expressing the intention to kill Trump, and eyewitness testimony.
The first government witness, US Secret Service agent Robert Fercano, testified about discovering Routh during a patrol at Trump's West Palm Beach golf course, identifying him as the person hiding with a weapon. As Fercano described the confrontation, he recounted calling for backup after realizing he was staring down the muzzle of Routh’s AK-style weapon.
Routh is facing five charges, including attempted assassination and illegal firearms possession, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The jury features 7 women and 5 men, along with 4 alternates. Routh attempted to dismiss potential jurors with law enforcement backgrounds, but the judge denied his request, stating his reasons were insufficient.
