FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Ryan Routh began cross-examination Thursday by asking the Secret Service agent who allegedly discovered him hiding in the bushes at President Donald Trump’s Florida golf course if it’s good to “be alive.”
Secret Service agent Robert Fercano, who earlier told federal prosecutors how he feared for his own life and Trump’s life after spotting Routh’s firearm, answered in the affirmative.
“Ride on,” Routh replied, asking next if Fercano saw any “irregularities” in the fence line on Sept. 15, 2024.
“I had noticed yourself in the fence line,” the agent said.
Fercano appeared tense at times as the cross-examination continued, answering questions with a pointed “you” as Routh referred to himself as the “defendant.” Several times, Fercano emphasized that there was a “barrel of a gun pointed” at his face.
FORT PIERCE — Ryan Routh’s trial begins today with opening statements. He will have a chance to speak in his own defense.
The assassination attempt at Trump’s Florida golf course was almost a year ago to date, just months after the Butler, PA attack.
I’ll have updates… pic.twitter.com/dYuOMq4mV3
— Katelynn Richardson (@katesrichardson) September 11, 2025
Routh inquired about the best position for a sniper, the height of the bulletproof plates positioned on the fence and whether the “defendant” could have pulled his gun out of the fence.
“I don’t know your mindset,” the agent replied.
Routh pressed if there was any harm that came that day. Fercano said there was no physical harm.
“Mentally, I have to live with the fact that this individual pointed a weapon at my face,” Fercano said.
Fercano earlier told prosecutors that he did not initially think there was a threat, believing the face he spotted in the bushes could be a “homeless person camping out.” Routh smiled at Fercano that day when he initially called out, “hey, sir,” the agent testified.
After dismounting his golf cart and coming within five feet of Routh, Fercano realized the object protruding from the fence was a weapon.
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