A federal judge has determined that a man charged with attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida will face trial in September 2025. The new trial date is set for September 8, 2025, which is a shift from the previously scheduled start of February 10, 2025, according to a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon earlier this week.
Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old resident of Hawaii, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him. His legal team requested a postponement of the trial until at least December 2025, arguing that they required additional time to examine the evidence compiled against Routh and to determine whether they should pursue an insanity defense.
Routh reportedly possessed 17 cellphones, along with several other electronic devices, and there are extensive police body camera footage and surveillance videos that have been shared with the defense. His attorneys emphasized this need for additional time during a hearing held two weeks ago in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Judge Cannon, in her ruling, expressed a desire to provide ample time for the defense given the gravity of the charges. However, she also indicated that pushing the trial back to December would be too long. She concluded that a September trial did not constitute “an unreasonable delay.” Furthermore, the judge stipulated that any mental competency evaluations or requests related to Routh’s mental state must be submitted by early February, and any site visit concerning the assassination attempt should occur by the end of February.
According to prosecutors, Routh engaged in a premeditated plan to assassinate Trump for several weeks prior to the incident, which occurred while Trump was golfing on September 15, 2024, at his club in West Palm Beach. Routh allegedly aimed a rifle through the foliage before Trump was visible. However, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh first, leading him to aim the rifle at the agent, who then discharged his weapon, causing Routh to drop his gun and flee without actually firing it. Prosecutors further claim that Routh left behind a note that outlined his intentions.
Law enforcement apprehended Routh shortly thereafter while he was driving on a nearby interstate. He faces serious charges including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, which could carry a life sentence if he is found guilty. Additionally, Routh is charged with assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms offenses. He is currently being held without bail at a federal detention facility in Miami.
Notably, Routh’s arrest came just two months following a separate incident where Trump was shot and injured during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has acknowledged shortcomings in the security measures leading up to that shooting but has asserted that their response was effective in preventing the potential attack in Florida.
