Fort Pierce Trial of Ryan Rouse for Attempted Assassination of Trump
In Fort Pierce, Florida, jurors began their deliberations Tuesday in the federal trial of Ryan Rouse, who is accused of trying to kill then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Palm Beach Golf Course.
Rouse, 59, faces five federal charges, including attempted assassination and assaulting a federal officer, along with several firearm-related offenses. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and could face life in prison if convicted.
During the closing argument, prosecutors emphasized digital and forensic evidence. Their focus was on Rouse’s clear intent to harm Trump. U.S. Attorney Christopher Brown stated, “This was not a publicity stunt. The evidence shows one thing: the defendant wanted Donald Trump to die.” He also mentioned Rouse’s stalking behavior in the weeks leading up to the alleged assassination attempt on September 15, 2024.
According to Brown, Rouse visited Trump International Golf Course 17 times, which he characterized as “reconnaissance” missions.
The prosecution also pointed to evidence, such as a round found in the chamber of an SKS rifle magazine. “There’s no obvious doubt; it was a man,” Brown remarked. He further highlighted Rouse’s motivations by referencing a rap song where Rouse talks about killing Trump. “It’s not necessary for the defendant to write down his intentions,” he added.
Prosecutors concentrated on one of the five charges—attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate—while lesser charges received only brief mentions.
There was a stark contrast between the prosecution’s extensive presentation, which included hundreds of exhibits and testimonies from 38 witnesses, and Rouse’s defense. Evidence included cell phone data linking Rouse to the Trump Golf Club, where he reportedly set up a “sniper nest” by the sixth hole, as well as bank records and DNA tied to the purchase of the rifles found at the scene.
U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon expressed her frustration with Rouse’s choice to represent himself without a law degree. Before adjourning until Monday, she cautioned him that any arguments he presented needed to be grounded in recognized evidence.
Rouse indicated that he wouldn’t be testifying on his own behalf. The trial continues to unfold as jurors evaluate the evidence presented against him.
