Prosecutors Conclude Case Against Man Accused of Attempting Trump Assassination

Prosecutors Rest Their Case in Trial of Man Accused in Attempted Trump Assassination FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Federal prosecutors presented their final witness on Friday in the case against Ryan Routh, the man charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump when he was running for president. According to court testimony, a Secret Service agent foiled Routh's alleged attempt to shoot Trump on September 15, 2024. The agent testified that he saw a rifle barrel poking through a fence at the edge of the property and fired, causing the gunman to flee without shooting the weapon. Lead government prosecutor John Shipley said in his opening statement that Routh had been planning the attack for months and had even gone so far as to create a fake ID to gain access to Trump's campaign events. "The defendant's actions were a clear threat to national security, and we will prove that he was intent on harming the President," Shipley said. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Kimberly McGreevy spent hours on the stand Thursday and Friday detailing her investigation into Routh's activities. She testified that Routh had been in contact with several extremist groups online and had expressed support for violent ideologies. The trial has drawn international attention, with many countries closely following the developments. "This case highlights the growing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together across borders," said a spokesperson for the European Union's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. Background on Routh's alleged plot shows that he had been planning the attack since at least 2023, when Trump was still in the midst of his presidential campaign. Routh allegedly used social media platforms to spread extremist ideologies and recruit like-minded individuals. The trial is expected to continue next week with defense attorneys presenting their case. If convicted, Routh faces up to life in prison for attempting to assassinate a U.S. President. In related news, the Trump administration has announced plans to increase security measures at future campaign events. "We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of the President and his supporters," said a White House spokesperson. The case against Routh is seen as a test of the U.S. justice system's ability to handle high-profile terrorism cases. As one expert noted, "This trial has significant implications for national security and the rule of law." Current status: The prosecution has rested its case, and the defense is expected to present its arguments next week. *Reporting by Npr.*