Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh can hire expert to check rifle, judge says

A person accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump at his Florida golf membership final September can rent an skilled to look at the rifle recovered from the scene, however solely to find out its operability, a federal choose stated Tuesday.

Ryan Routh’s attorneys had requested that their skilled be allowed to examine, {photograph} and take a look at the rifle so as to consider a authorities skilled’s findings, in addition to take a look at it for different info that they thought was related. In Tuesday’s order, District Choose Aileen Cannon — who was nominated by Mr. Trump — restricted the testing to simply its operability, with a Could 15 deadline. 

Routh, who has pleaded not responsible, was charged with tried assassination of a presidential candidate and two firearm fees. His federal trial is scheduled for September, and he is expected to face further state fees.

Prosecutors say Routh methodically plotted to kill Mr. Trump — then a presidential candidate — for weeks earlier than aiming a rifle by means of the shrubbery as Mr. Trump performed golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Seashore nation membership. Earlier than the president got here into view, Routh was noticed by a Secret Service agent. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle on the agent, who opened hearth, inflicting Routh to drop his weapon and flee with out firing a shot. Prosecutors say he left behind a be aware describing his intentions. He was arrested a short while later driving on a close-by interstate.

Federal prosecutors alleged last week Routh additionally tried to purchase an anti-aircraft weapon on-line to shoot down Mr. Trump’s aircraft. “I want tools in order that Trump can not get elected,” Routh allegedly advised an affiliate from whom he hoped to purchase the weapon.

In the meantime. Routh’s attorneys asked the judge final week to suppress statements from the eyewitness who recognized Routh. The legal professionals argued police had been “impermissibly suggestive” when questioning the witness, who they stated was proven a single {photograph} of Routh.