Trial Resumes for Ryan Rouse, Accused of Attempt to Assassinate Trump
The federal trial of Ryan Rouse, who faces charges for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in September 2024, continues this Tuesday with more testimonies from FBI forensic experts.
On Monday, the judge heard from FBI firearms examiner Erich Smith. He asserted that a rifle discovered near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club was a Norinco SKS, manufactured in China. Smith noted the weapon was operable when found and had been successfully test-fired in an FBI lab, with the rounds and safety mechanism configured as off.
Interestingly, he remarked that parts of the rifle’s serial number were “missing in some areas,” yet some could potentially be restored.
Smith demonstrated a round of 7.62x39mm full metal jacket ammunition during his testimony. “Bullets, they’re meant to perforate things,” he said, emphasizing that if aimed at a target, it would certainly create a hole.
Rouse, who is defending himself, cross-examined Smith, questioning whether all SKS rifles operate as semi-automatics, if the test firing was recorded, and if the gun might have changed hands at a gun show prior to the investigation. His probing included a somewhat sarcastic inquiry, asking, “So we should just take your word for it?”
At one point, Judge Irene Cannon, appointed by Trump, curbed some of the prosecution’s lines of questioning when Rouse veered beyond relevant topics. The court also heard from FBI biologist Curtis Gaur, who discussed collecting possible DNA evidence from various items including rifle grips and gloves. Rouse took the opportunity to ask where the gloves had originated and about the deletion of the rifle scope.
The judge interrupted a few times, urging both sides to stay focused and keep the proceedings moving. Gaur’s testimony seemed to puzzle some of the jurors as the prosecution referenced a display number that wasn’t continually shown.
As the court prepares to resume, expectations for Tuesday include testimonies from FBI biologist Kara Gregor and further experts involved in digital forensics as the case against Rouse unfolds.
