Ryan Wesley Routh’s Trial for Attempted Assassination of President-elect Trump Delayed Until September 2025
Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump at his Florida golf course earlier this year, will now face trial on September 8, 2025, as ruled by US District Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday. The trial start date was previously scheduled for February 10, 2025.
Routh, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The delay in the trial was requested by Routh’s defense team, who cited the need for more time to assess the evidence and consider the possibility of an insanity defense.
With the possession of 17 cellphones and other electronic devices, Routh’s defense team aims to review the contents for the case. They have also been provided with extensive police body camera footage and surveillance videos to analyze.
Judge Cannon acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Routh and deemed the September 2025 trial date as a reasonable delay. She set a deadline for the defense to decide on pursuing an insanity defense by early February, with site visits related to the case to be completed by the end of the month.
If convicted of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, Routh could be sentenced to life in prison. Additional charges related to assaulting a federal officer and firearms violations are also pending against him.
Prosecutors allege that Routh meticulously planned the assassination attempt on Trump, waiting in the bushes outside Trump International Golf Club with a rifle on September 15. A Secret Service agent noticed him and fired shots, but Routh managed to escape unharmed.
The incident occurred two months after Trump was targeted by a sniper’s bullet during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Routh was later apprehended by local law enforcement on a Florida interstate.
