Ryan Wesley Routh, a man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump
Share and Follow


FORT PIERCE, Fla. () Federal agents in the trial against a man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last year testified Thursday that the safety on the suspect’s rifle was in the “off” position.

Thursday was the sixth day of testimony in the trial of Ryan Routh, who prosecutors said spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.

On Wednesday, a pair of North Carolina brothers testified about a box left with them by Routh.

Samuel and Lazaro Plata described in Spanish through translators how Routh left the container filled with pipes, bullets, wires and other items at Lazaro Plata’s home in Greensboro, North Carolina, in April 2024 about five months before the alleged attempt.

Both men have known Routh for about 30 years and had previously worked at his roofing business. They contacted authorities last September after seeing news of Routh’s arrest.

Trump had survived an earlier attempt on his life while campaigning in Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear. The gunman was then fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had initially blocked off more than three weeks for trial at the Fort Pierce federal courthouse. But prosecutors have said they should be able to rest their case by Thursday or Friday, and Routh’s witnesses have been subpoenaed to appear by Friday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trevor Lawrence runs for 2 scores as Jaguars close in on AFC South title with 23-17 win over Colts

Trevor Lawrence’s Dual Touchdowns Propel Jaguars Toward AFC South Crown in Victory Over Colts

With a decisive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars are…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three People Hurt in Shooting After Fight Erupts at Jacksonville Westside Bar, Police Report

A confrontation that began inside a restaurant escalated when the alleged shooter…
Inventor of subtle car feature that has helped drivers dies aged 80

Revolutionary Car Feature Innovator Passes at 80: Celebrating a Legacy of Safer Driving

James Moylan, the visionary behind the small yet significant dashboard arrow indicating…
Palisades councilmember blasts city after shocking doc on wildfires

Palisades Councilmember Criticizes City Following Revealing Documentary on Wildfires

An LA City Council member representing the Palisades has voiced concerns that…
Russia strikes Ukraine ahead of Trump-Zelensky meeting

Russia’s Aggressive Move: Airstrikes in Ukraine Set the Stage for High-Stakes Trump-Zelensky Summit

In a series of early morning strikes on Ukraine, Russia has left…
Jimmy Kimmel says 'tyranny is booming' in US in 'alternative' Christmas message to UK

Jimmy Kimmel Critiques Rising ‘Tyranny’ in the US in Alternative Christmas Message to UK Audience

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel delivered a unique “Alternative Christmas Message” on Thursday aimed…
Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another

Tragic Helicopter Collision in New Jersey Results in One Fatality, Leaves Another in Critical Condition

A tragic helicopter accident in Hammonton, New Jersey, resulted in one fatality…
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments

Unraveling 2025’s Biggest Crime Mysteries: Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death, Idaho Murders Plea, and Karen Read Verdict

The year 2025 was marked by a series of gripping crime stories…