Federal prosecutors have requested an indefinite delay in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The prosecution, citing the "complexity" of the case, has emphasized the vast amount of evidence still under review. This evidence includes thousands of videos, photos, audio files, text messages, and over 100 subpoena returns that are still pending. Additionally, the FBI continues to conduct forensic testing on ballistics, fingerprints, and DNA evidence, all of which require further analysis.
Routh, a 58-year-old was arrested on September 15, 2024, after allegedly hiding on the grounds of Trump's West Palm Beach golf course. Authorities found him armed with an AK-47-style rifle and other equipment, including metal plates designed to withstand return fire from the Secret Service.
𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩'𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭…🤬😡 pic.twitter.com/JKuJQaDSBP
— 🇺🇸𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐂𝐇🇺🇸 (@pr0ud_americans) September 16, 2024
He is suspected of stalking the former president for weeks prior to the arrest, with investigators uncovering surveillance of Trump's movements and venues he had attended or planned to attend. Routh’s case has been designated as "complex," allowing for extended time for both parties to prepare.
The government’s motion to delay the trial has not been contested by Routh's defense team. Prosecutors argued that they need more time to sift through the extensive evidence, interview additional witnesses, and determine the necessity of expert testimony. Under federal law, they must provide this information well in advance of the trial to ensure that the defense has adequate time to review it. They also highlighted that the investigation remains ongoing and more subpoenas may be issued, which could further expand the case.
With the already heightened tensions and snipers outside Trump Tower. “And, yet— Merrick Garland releases a letter from the would – be Democrat assassin Ryan Routh offering $150,000 to anyone who could 'finish the job.' ”
If this dosen’t raise red flags, what will !? pic.twitter.com/IMbECqUQaW
— April Color (@ColorApril) September 24, 2024
This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on Trump in just two months. In July 2024, another gunman opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, hitting Trump’s ear. That attacker was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper after also injuring two attendees. The rapid succession of these attempts has added urgency to the ongoing investigations, with many in law enforcement expressing concern over potential threats leading up to the 2024 election.
Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously made headlines for dismissing the classified documents case against Trump, will oversee Routh's trial. Prosecutors have charged Routh with attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. If convicted, he could face decades in prison. The case's high-profile nature and potential political implications continue to draw significant attention, as Trump remains a central figure in U.S. politics.
Despite Routh's apparent actions, his defense team has suggested that his motivations were not politically driven, claiming that his actions may have been a misguided attempt at self-promotion. Routh, according to his legal counsel, was involved in promoting democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan, though this argument has not swayed investigators.
With multiple pieces of crucial evidence still under analysis, it is unclear when the trial might proceed. The prosecution has indicated that they will call numerous expert witnesses to testify on the ballistic and forensic results. However, it may be months before the case is ready for trial, prolonging the timeline for legal resolution.
