High-Profile Trial Date Pushed Back for Attempted Presidential Assassination Case

Paper stamped "Delayed" with pen signing.

A federal judge has pushed back the trial date for Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, to September 2025.

At a Glance

Ryan Routh, 58, is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump near West Palm Beach.
The trial is now set for September 8, 2025, delayed from February 10, 2025.
Routh’s attorneys requested more time to review evidence and consider an insanity defense.
If convicted, Routh faces potential life imprisonment.
The incident occurred while Trump was playing golf on September 15, 2024.

Trial Date Postponed

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has set a new trial date for Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The trial, originally scheduled for February 10, 2025, will now begin on September 8, 2025. This decision comes after Routh’s attorneys requested additional time to review extensive evidence and explore the possibility of an insanity defense.

Routh, a 58-year-old Hawaii resident, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses. The severity of these allegations prompted Judge Cannon to carefully consider the trial date, balancing the need for thorough preparation with the importance of timely justice.

A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won’t be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week. https://t.co/LgXbmaKKlD

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 26, 2024

The Alleged Assassination Attempt

Prosecutors allege that on September 15, 2024, Routh plotted to kill Trump and aimed a rifle at him while the former president was playing golf near West Palm Beach. A quick-thinking Secret Service agent spotted Routh and opened fire, causing the suspect to drop his weapon and flee. This prompt action likely prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Routh was apprehended shortly after on a nearby interstate. Investigators discovered a note detailing his intentions, further solidifying the case against him. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security measures in place to protect high-profile political figures, especially in light of a previous assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy

The defense team for Routh faces a challenging task. They must sift through a vast amount of evidence, including footage from 17 cellphones and numerous electronic devices owned by the suspect, as well as extensive police and surveillance videos. Judge Cannon has set strict deadlines for the defense, mandating that any insanity defense or mental competency requests must be filed by early February, with a scene visit scheduled for the end of February.

Routh remains in custody without bail at a federal jail in Miami. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment, underscoring the gravity of the charges against him. The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the high-profile nature of the alleged target but also because it follows a previous assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, where he was shot and wounded.

Implications for National Security

This case has broader implications for national security and the protection of political figures. The Secret Service acknowledged security failings in the Pennsylvania incident, raising questions about the effectiveness of current protective measures. The Routh case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by prominent politicians and the critical role of security services in safeguarding democracy.

As the September 2025 trial date approaches, the nation will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for how we approach the security of political leaders and the legal handling of such serious threats to national figures.