Jury selection is set to start Monday in the trial of Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump last year in South Florida. Routh, 59, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to kill a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer. He is representing himself in the trial, a decision approved by a federal judge earlier this year.

Opening statements are anticipated to begin on September 11. Prosecutors allege that Routh meticulously planned the assassination attempt for weeks. On September 15, while Trump was golfing at his West Palm Beach country club, Routh allegedly aimed a rifle through the bushes. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view, leading the agent to fire at Routh, who then dropped his weapon and fled without firing a shot.

In court filings, prosecutors claim Routh sought to acquire an anti-aircraft weapon to shoot down Trump’s plane. They allege that in August 2024, he attempted to purchase military-grade weapons from someone he believed to be a Ukrainian. Routh reportedly told an associate, "I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected," and requested an RPG or Stinger missile.

Routh was armed with an AK-47-style rifle and was positioned 300 to 500 yards from Trump when the Secret Service agent noticed him. Two individuals have been charged with selling a gun to Routh. Both have pleaded guilty to firearm-related charges. Prosecutors allege that Routh purchased a Chinese-made SKS rifle from them in August, which he was found with outside Trump’s golf club weeks later.

Routh's criminal history includes charges dating back to the 1990s, including a felony for possession of a weapon of mass destruction. His son, Oren Routh, expressed surprise at the allegations, stating, "He's a good person and has been a hard worker his whole life. I haven't known him to own guns or ever hurt anyone in any way."

Routh, who voted Democratic in the 2024 primary election, has made headlines for his unconventional court filings. He has requested a "beatdown session" with Trump and suggested competing in a round of golf for his life. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has allowed Routh to represent himself but has imposed strict rules to maintain order in the courtroom.

Prosecutors must prove that Routh intended to kill Trump and took substantial steps toward that goal. They plan to present evidence, including Routh's own words, which allegedly include a note he left with a friend stating, "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I failed you."

Routh has argued that prosecutors are misrepresenting his intentions and that his letter reflects a desire for peace. He has also published a book in which he allegedly encouraged readers to assassinate Trump due to his foreign policy decisions.

The trial is expected to last two to four weeks, with jury selection anticipated to take three days. Judge Cannon has opted to keep the jury anonymous and partially sequestered during the trial. Routh's previous legal representation will remain in the courtroom on standby, but he will handle his own defense, including questioning witnesses and addressing the jury.

Routh's self-representation has raised concerns among prosecutors, who have described his behavior as potentially chaotic. Judge Cannon has warned Routh against disruptive conduct, stating that he could lose his right to represent himself if he engages in obstructionist behavior. Jury selection will begin Monday morning at the Alto Lee Adams federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida.