The trial of Ryan Routh, a 58-year-old Hawaii resident accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida, has been rescheduled to September 8, 2025, according to an order issued by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday.
Routh, who has pleaded not guilty, was previously set to face trial on February 10, 2025. The delay comes after defense attorneys requested more time to review extensive evidence and consider an insanity defense.
Routh’s legal team argued that the complexity of the case necessitated additional preparation time, citing:
- Ownership of 17 cellphones and numerous other electronic devices by the defendant.
- Hundreds of hours of police body camera footage and surveillance videos provided by prosecutors.
READ: Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh Could Face Life In Florida For Injuries To 6-Year-Old Girl
The defense had requested a trial start no earlier than December 2025.
In her ruling, Judge Cannon acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and the need for adequate preparation but determined that a delay until December would be excessive. She ruled that the September trial date was reasonable and provided sufficient time.
Routh is accused of planning to assassinate Trump during a round of golf on September 15, 2024, at Trump’s West Palm Beach country club.
- Prosecutors allege Routh aimed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery but was spotted by a Secret Service agent before Trump came into view.
- Routh allegedly aimed his weapon at the agent, prompting the agent to open fire. Routh dropped his weapon and fled the scene without firing a shot.
- Authorities say Routh left behind a note detailing his intentions and was arrested shortly afterward on a nearby interstate.
Routh faces several charges, including:
- Attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, carrying a potential life sentence.
- Assaulting a federal officer.
- Three firearms-related counts.
Routh is being held without bail at a federal detention center in Miami.
The incident came just two months after Trump was shot and wounded in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has acknowledged failings in the Pennsylvania incident but praised agents for successfully thwarting the Florida attack.
Judge Cannon set key deadlines for the case, including:
- Any insanity defense or mental competency motions must be filed by early February 2025.
- Any scene visits related to the case must be completed by the end of February.
The trial’s outcome could have significant implications, marking one of the highest-profile cases of its kind in U.S. history.
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