You won’t believe what his lawyers are claiming now.
The legal team representing Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in September 2023, is considering an insanity defense. Routh, who allegedly targeted Trump during a golf outing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, appeared in federal court on Wednesday for a hearing in front of Judge Aileen Cannon. Judge Cannon is known for her involvement in dismissing the federal classified documents case against Trump.
Routh’s defense attorneys indicated that a mental health expert had met with Routh several times, and that jail mental health professionals had also evaluated him. They claim these experts can provide evidence of Routh’s unstable mental state. Prosecution, however, presented witness accounts that suggest Routh was “hallucinating” and “delusional” prior to his arrest.
In addition to his alleged delusions, prosecutors revealed that Routh had sent up to 40 letters to national media outlets, trying to convince the press that he was an “honorable” individual. Although the letters were intercepted before reaching their recipients, Judge Cannon made it clear that she had not imposed any gag order preventing Routh from expressing himself.
On the day of the alleged assassination attempt, Routh was reportedly hiding in the brush near the golf course for over 12 hours, armed with a rifle. As Trump played golf, a Secret Service agent noticed Routh pointing the rifle through a fence and shot at him. Routh fled but was arrested that same day. He is currently facing multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assault on a federal officer.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to five charges, with his trial scheduled for February 10, 2025. However, his attorneys have filed a motion requesting a delay until December 2025, citing the “extraordinary volume” of evidence still under review. While prosecutors have stated they are ready for trial in February, they have not opposed a “reasonable” delay, though they consider the proposed delay until December 2025 excessive.
Prosecutors have also disclosed some of the evidence gathered during their investigation. Notably, 17 out of 18 cell phones found during the investigation were linked to Routh, and his notebook contained “dozens of pages of names and numbers” connected to overseas locations. A significant number of law enforcement agencies have been involved in examining Routh’s movements, both in the United States and internationally.
This case has raised serious concerns about security for public figures and the lengths to which some individuals may go to disrupt the political process. With a trial date looming and a defense based on mental instability, this case will continue to unfold in the coming months.