FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Judge Aileen Cannon kept alleged attempted Trump assassin Ryan Routh on a short leash as he represented himself in court and cross-examined witnesses who testified against him Thursday.
Federal prosecutor John Shipley told the jury that Routh had a “carefully crafted and deadly serious plot” involving 10 phones, three aliases, stolen license plates and a “trail of lies” to ensure the public could not re-elect President Donald Trump.
Cannon warned Routh against making a “mockery” of the courtroom’s dignity during his opening statement, which included confusing ramblings about international affairs, the history of humanity and non-violence. She cut him off after just a few minutes of speaking.
Five witnesses took the stand on the first day of testimony: Secret Service agent Robert Fercano, Tommy McGee, Secret Service special agent Jason Harris, FBI agent Dominick Healey and FBI special agent Christopher Mayo.
“Agent Fercano is the reason he didn’t get away with it,” Shipley said. “Mr. McGee is the reason the defendant didn’t get away.”
The trial testimony comes the day after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. It’s also almost exactly a year after the Sept. 15, 2024 attempt on Trump’s life at his Florida golf course, which itself was only months after a gunman wounded Trump’s ear and killed a crowd member during the first assassination attempt in Butler, Pa.
Routh faces five charges for allegedly attempting to kill Trump.
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
During cross examination, Routh’s comments were often irrelevant and at times congratulatory towards witnesses who helped ensure his arrest.
“Right on, awesome,” Routh said after asking if Agent Harris could really scale a six-foot fence, as the agent said he did during his testimony. Harris, who was serving at the golf course just behind Fercano, testified that he spent five hours securing the crime scene after Routh fled.
Routh called McGee, the mental health counselor who spotted Routh as he was fleeing from the scene, a “hero” and a “good man.”
“You’re the man, good work,” Routh said.
McGee testified that he decided to follow Routh after hearing the gunshots, hoping to record his license plate number and snap a photo for authorities.
At the time, McGee said he didn’t know what kind of crime, if anything serious, had occurred. But he said he acted because he knew from experiences growing up that many other people would not share information about those involved in a shooting.
“I celebrate you…the only one to stop out of 50 – 60 cars,” Routh said.
Routh attempted asking whether McGee was a Trump supporter but was prevented by Cannon.
Agent Fercano, the first witness to testify, spoke about his experience encountering Routh, who he initially believed to be a homeless man, hiding in the bushes. He said Routh’s weapon was pointed at his face.
Routh’s first question to Fercano during cross examination was if it is good to be alive. He later asked whether the “defendant” could have pulled his gun out of the fence.
“I don’t know your mindset,” Fercano said.
Cannon concluded the day early, noting Routh’s cross examinations were “shorter than anticipated” and asking if the same could be expected going forward.
“I’m very simple minded, yes,” he said.
Witness testimony is scheduled to resume on Friday at 8:45 am.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/Rumble/MSNBC)
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