FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The trial of Ryan Routh, charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, is set to begin with opening statements on Thursday. The incident allegedly took place nearly a year ago while Trump was golfing at his private club in West Palm Beach.
As Routh prepares to represent himself in court, details about his defense strategy remain unknown. Jurors were selected on Wednesday, culminating in a panel of 12 jurors, along with four alternates, ready to hear the case.
During jury selection, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon asked potential jurors about their familiarity with the case, most of whom affirmed they were aware of Routh and the accusations against him. The selected jury includes a diverse group: four white men, one Black man, six white women, and one Black woman, with four additional jurors serving as alternates.
Routh challenged the inclusion of five jurors who have family members in law enforcement, but Judge Cannon denied his request to exclude them. The stakes are high for Routh, who is facing serious charges, including attempted assassination and aggravated assault on a federal officer.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on September 15, 2024, when Routh purportedly waited for hours with a rifle, specifically targeting Trump while he played golf at Trump International Golf Club.
The trial is expected to unfold over the next two to three weeks, with both the prosecution and Routh himself set to present their arguments to the jury. Local media will closely follow the proceedings and provide updates throughout the trial.
As the courtroom drama begins, all eyes are on how the case will develop, particularly given the high-profile nature of the defendant and his alleged actions.
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