The man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in South Florida last year is preparing to represent himself in federal court, as reported by The New York Post.
Ryan Routh, 59, is scheduled to appear at a pretrial conference on Tuesday in Fort Pierce, Florida, where the court will finalize preparations ahead of jury selection on September 8.
Ryan Wesley Routh — accused of trying to assassinate President Trump in West Palm Beach last year — will represent HIMSELF at trial.
Routh has pleaded NOT GUILTY to federal charges, including attempted assassination and assault on a federal officer. pic.twitter.com/E6jYdHQvzj
— MxM News (@mxmnews) September 2, 2025
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh’s request in July to serve as his own attorney but ruled that court-appointed lawyers will remain on standby to assist if necessary.
The case stems from an incident nearly one year ago in which prosecutors say a U.S. Secret Service agent stopped Routh as he attempted to shoot President Trump while he was playing golf.
Routh was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm-related violations. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The proceedings in Fort Pierce federal court will determine the path forward in one of the most high-profile federal trials of the year. The attempted attack raised serious concerns about presidential security and has been closely monitored by law enforcement and the public.
Judge Cannon, who has presided over pretrial matters in recent months, emphasized that while Routh has the right to represent himself, his standby counsel will remain available to ensure the trial moves forward without disruption.
If the trial proceeds as scheduled, opening arguments could begin in mid-September, nearly one year after the alleged attempt.
BREAKING: Ryan Routh is appearing in court at his last pre-trial hearing right now!
He is representing himself.
Next week, jury selection will begin. He needs to be imprisoned FOR LIFE. No exceptions. pic.twitter.com/cUmurxfpec
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 2, 2025
Federal prosecutors are expected to present evidence of Routh’s actions on the day of the incident, along with testimony from Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officials.
The court has not released further details about the potential length of the trial. Routh remains in custody while awaiting his day in court.
