Prosecution rests in Ryan Routh trial over alleged attempt on Trump’s life

Federal prosecutors wrapped up their case against Ryan Routh on Friday, accusing him of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year. Routh, who is representing himself without legal training, plans to present three witnesses for his defense, including character witnesses and a firearms expert.

The final witness for the prosecution was FBI Supervisory Special Agent Kimberly McGreevy, who brought evidence into the courtroom. McGreevy testified that Routh had been living in a Marathon gas station in Palm Beach County in the month leading up to the incident. She presented receipts for food, parking, and data from cellphone towers and license plate readers to track his movements.

According to McGreevy, Routh was conducting surveillance and stalking the president while living at the truck stop. She also revealed that Routh had hidden in the bushes near the golf course for an extended period before the incident.

Investigators found that Routh had searched online for ways to purchase a 50-caliber weapon, looked into flights to Mexico and Colombia, and researched Trump’s rallies and campaign details. They also discovered that his gun was concealed in a tree near the 14th hole of the golf course.

McGreevy mentioned that Routh had contacted one of his associates about acquiring a shoulder-launched missile or rocket-propelled grenade. In text messages, Routh expressed his desire to prevent Trump from being reelected, citing concerns about Ukraine.

Despite the mounting evidence against him, Routh’s daughter Sara defended him, describing him as a compassionate individual who is being unfairly treated. She emphasized his commitment to world peace and helping others.

Throughout the trial, Routh has been representing himself without access to the internet or legal resources. He is expected to call his witnesses to testify on Monday, with only three scheduled to take the stand.

Prosecutors allege that Routh meticulously planned the assassination attempt, including acquiring a military-grade weapon, tracking Trump’s movements, and using multiple burner phones. Routh was reportedly armed and hiding in the bushes near the golf course when a Secret Service agent spotted him, leading to his arrest.

Routh is facing five criminal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in a crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a gun with a defaced serial number. The trial continues as both sides present their arguments in court.