Final Witness Testified in Ryan Rouse Assassination Attempt Trial
On Friday, prosecutors identified the last witness in the federal trial concerning Ryan Rouse, who stands accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the West Palm Beach Golf Club on September 15, 2024.
FBI special agent Kimberly McGreevi provided insight through her testimony, discussing financial records, phone data, license plate reader information, and surveillance footage that followed Rouse’s journey from Hawaii to Florida in the lead-up to the alleged assassination.
In her statements, McGreevi detailed handwritten notes supposedly discovered in boxes at Lazaro Plata’s home in Greensboro, North Carolina. The note began with, “Dear World,… This was an attempt to assassinate Donald Trump, but I am very sorry that I failed to you… It is up to you now to complete the job.” It also referenced a $150,000 reward. She noted that bank transactions indicated Rouse was financially capable of covering that amount.
Prosecutors Conclude Their Case, Defense Prepares
The evidence presented to the judge consisted of information on accounts shared by Rouse, his daughter Sarah, and his son Adam, which included a $162,000 deposit in Sarah’s account and a $160,000 transfer to another account in her name on the same day. Furthermore, allegations surfaced about a Venmo transaction that moved funds from Sara’s account to Ryan Rouse.
Prosecutors showcased phone records that illuminated Trump’s campaign schedule, rally tickets, golf courses, and online searches related to specific individuals. Notably, one search noted “how many bullets the SKS rifle holds,” which was made on September 4, 2024, along with hundreds of firearm-related images. An intriguing text exchange was also shared, where “Vladimir” asked Rouse, “Palm Beach, you?” to which Rouse replied referencing Trump’s plane that comes and goes daily.
Testimony on Rouse’s Movements and Evidence
McGreevy also stated that Rouse’s “home base” during the critical time frame was a marathon truck stop in South Bay, Florida. A receipt indicated he used cash for an overnight stay there, according to her testimony.
Body camera footage from a welfare check revealed Rouse wearing distinct shorts, which were later identified in his vehicle and seen in airport footage where he observed Trump’s plane on September 7. Additionally, concerning license plates, the judge noted irregularities with records on specific dates in March and April 2024.
Evidence of Intent Presented in Court
The prosecution also highlighted a photo taken with one of Rouse’s burner phones, which displayed a map of the 14th hole on a Trump golf course, indicating multiple markers. This was compared to another photo showcasing an SKS rifle near a tree on that same hole, accompanied by a 56-ounce bottle of Sunny Delight matching a receipt retrieved from Rouse’s vehicle.
Inside the courtroom, Rouse appeared somewhat relaxed, wearing a blue suit and red striped tie while his daughter, Sarah, seemed to be the only family member present, diligently taking notes during the proceedings. Rouse, seemingly unfazed, even smiled at times while hearing testimonies about cash transactions for his supplies.
The trial is set to continue next week, with expectations that the defense will start calling its own witnesses after the prosecution officially rested its case.
