The trial for the man accused of plotting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course has been delayed for months to give the lawyers more time to go over evidence in the case.
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Monday that the trial for 58-year-old Ryan Routh would begin on September 8, 2025, instead of the originally scheduled February 10. Routh is facing multiple charges including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate.
Cannon said that Routh’s defense team “had not meaningfully responded” to prosecutors’ requests for evidence, the Washington Examiner reported. Cannon also noted that Routh’s lawyers maintained that “mental health evaluations are ongoing” but hadn’t yet decided if they would be pursuing an insanity defense.
Routh’s team has until February 3 to officially announce “an insanity defense” or “note of expert evidence of a mental condition.”
Routh is accused of hiding in the bushes with a rifle near Trump’s golf course on September 15 allegedly with the intent of killing the then-presidential candidate. Law enforcement said Routh fled after being confronted by a Secret Service agent who shot at him after he saw a rifle barrel poking out of the bushes.
He also faces charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
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In a separate case, Florida has charged Routh with attempted murder over a car crash that occurred as he was apprehended by law enforcement.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said that Routh was to blame for an accident that occurred on Interstate 95 as he tried to evade law enforcement after the alleged assassination attempt. The accident, which left a 6-year-old girl severely injured, occurred as the interstate was shut down due to the chase.
The charge was brought as part of Florida’s investigation into the attempt on Trump’s life in Florida. Moody and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis have accused federal authorities of impeding their investigation.
“Despite the federal government frustrating our efforts, which we continue to challenge in court, we found that Mr. Routh’s actions caused catastrophic injuries to a six-year-old girl,” Moody said. “My heart breaks for the child and her family, and while we continue to seek justice for President Trump, we will fight just as hard to ensure Mr. Routh pays for the tragedy his criminal actions brought on this Florida family.”
