Judge Cuts Off Ryan Routh’s Opening Statement as Assassination Trial Begins

Ryan Routh was silenced by Judge Cannon during chaotic opening remarks at his federal trial for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on September 12, 2025.

The 59-year-old defendant, who is representing himself without legal counsel, was abruptly cut off after delivering a rambling 10-minute opening statement that strayed far from the case facts. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the jury twice and ultimately terminated Routh’s opportunity to address them further.

Disjointed Defense Attempt

Routh’s opening statement veered into discussions of human evolution, global conflicts, and historical figures including Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. “Modern trials seem to eliminate all that is human,” Routh told jurors before becoming emotional and declaring “This case means absolutely nothing”.

Judge Cannon intervened multiple times, warning Routh against “making a mockery of the dignity of this courtroom” and emphasizing that his comments had “absolutely nothing to do with the evidence in this case”.

Prosecution Presents Methodical Plot

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley outlined the government’s case, describing Routh’s actions as a “carefully crafted and deadly serious” assassination plot. Prosecutors allege Routh used multiple aliases, burner phones, and stolen license plates while stalking Trump for weeks.

“Last year, defendant Ryan Routh wanted to ensure the American people could not elect Donald Trump as president,” Shipley told the jury. “The defendant decided to take the choice away from American voters”.

Key Witness Testimony

Secret Service Agent Robert Fercano, the first witness called, testified about discovering Routh hiding in bushes near the sixth hole of Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course on September 15, 2024. Fercano described coming within five feet of Routh’s AK-47-style rifle barrel, which was “pointed directly at my face”.

The second witness, Lake Worth resident Tommy McGee, testified about encountering Routh fleeing the scene and recording his license plate number, which led to Routh’s arrest on Interstate 95.

Trial Details

Routh faces five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The trial, taking place in Fort Pierce, Florida, is expected to last two to three weeks.

The defendant dismissed his court-appointed attorneys earlier this year, writing to Judge Cannon: “I will be representing myself moving forward; it was ridiculous from the outset to consider a random stranger that knows nothing of who I am to speak for me”.

Background

The alleged assassination attempt occurred while Trump was golfing at his West Palm Beach club during his 2024 presidential campaign. Prosecutors say Routh camped out for hours in the bushes before being spotted by the Secret Service agent, who fired shots causing Routh to flee without discharging his weapon.