Justice is on trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, as federal proceedings begin against Ryan Routh, a North Carolina man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump. On Wednesday, officials finalized jury selection after three intense days of questioning. The court selected 12 jurors and 4 alternates. The jury includes six white women, four white men, one Black woman, and one Black man. Alternates include two white men and two white women.
Following selection, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon announced that opening statements would begin Thursday morning. Prosecutors are expected to present their case immediately.
Routh, who is defending himself, participated actively in the selection process. He and federal prosecutors questioned three separate pools of 60 jurors each. At one point, Routh objected to the removal of two Black jurors. “I want to raise that we have a racist situation,” he said. Prosecutors responded that one juror spoke limited English and the other’s race was unknown to them.
Earlier this week, Judge Cannon dismissed one potential juror who declared, “I am MAGA.” Cannon ruled the statement showed clear political bias. Another woman was dismissed after stating she “only follows God’s law.”
Routh’s own questions raised eyebrows. He asked jurors about Gaza, Greenland, and even turtles in the road. Cannon called those questions “politically charged” and ruled them irrelevant.
According to federal prosecutors, Routh planned the attack for weeks. On September 15, 2024, he allegedly hid in bushes near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course. He reportedly aimed a rifle at Trump before a Secret Service agent intervened.
Agents opened fire, and Routh dropped his weapon before fleeing the scene. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office later arrested him on I-95 while driving a black Nissan Xterra.
Routh now faces several serious charges. These include attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple gun offenses. A conviction could mean life in prison.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to all charges, both federal and state. He also faces terrorism and attempted murder charges in Florida. Justice is on trial, and this courtroom battle could shape the nation’s political and legal future.
The court has set aside four weeks for testimony, although the trial may end earlier than scheduled. As this high-stakes case unfolds, one message rings clear: Justice is on trial—and the world is watching.
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