The man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump appeared in federal court on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, requesting a delay in his trial until December 2025. Ryan Routh, who faces five counts, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assault on a federal officer, is seeking additional time for his defense team to prepare.
Routh was arrested in September after allegedly spending over 12 hours hiding in brush with a rifle near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while Trump was golfing. The case has drawn national attention, with Routh pleading not guilty to all charges. Defense attorneys have argued that the volume of evidence and the complexity of the charges require more time to adequately prepare for trial, which is currently set for February 2025.
Mental health has emerged as a potential factor in the case, with a court-appointed expert meeting with Routh at least twice. The findings from these evaluations have not yet been made public, leaving questions about whether the defense will pursue an insanity plea or other related arguments.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is presiding over the case and has indicated she will issue a decision on the trial delay request in the near future. Prosecutors oppose the delay, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the need for a swift resolution. They argue that the evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, strongly implicates Routh in the alleged assassination attempt.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the security of high-profile political figures. A separate House task force released a report earlier this year regarding another incident involving an assassination attempt on Trump in July in Butler, Pennsylvania. That attempt left Trump and two rally attendees injured and one person dead. The report criticized the Secret Service for multiple communication failures and called for sweeping changes in its protocols.
As the legal proceedings against Routh continue, the case underscores the challenges of ensuring the safety of individuals under Secret Service protection, particularly in a politically charged environment. President-elect Trump has not publicly commented on the recent developments in the case but previously expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action.
Routh remains in custody as the court prepares to rule on the delay request. Legal experts say the case is likely to set precedents for how threats against political leaders are prosecuted and handled in the future.
