The criminal trial for a man suspected of trying to assassinate United States President Donald Trump last year has started, coming at a time of heightened alarm over political violence in the US.

The trial began with opening statements on Thursday as the defendant, 59-year-old Ryan Routh , took the unusual step of representing himself.

Routh faces five charges, including trying to assassinate a presidential candidate, and faces the possibility of life in prison if found guilty. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The proceedings came one day after the assassination of Charlie Kirk , a far-right media figure and close Trump ally whose killing has raised alarm over the increasing frequency of political violence in the US.

Routh said in July that he would represent himse

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