Trial of Ryan Rouse in Fort Pierce, Florida

In a Fort Pierce courtroom, Ryan Rouse’s cross-examination began on Thursday with questions directed at a Secret Service agent who reportedly found Rouse concealed in the bushes of Donald Trump’s Florida golf course. The agent, Robert Fercano, was asked whether it felt good to be “lived.” He had previously testified about fearing for both his life and Trump’s when he discovered Rouse’s weapon.

When Rouse prompted him to elaborate on any “irregularities” he noticed on September 15, 2024, Fercano responded that he was aware he was near the fence line at the time. During the questioning, the agent seemed somewhat anxious, answering directly when Rouse referred to himself as “the defendant.” Throughout, Fercano stressed that at one point, a “gun barrel” was pointed at him.

Earlier statements highlighted that the trial began with Rouse being given the chance to defend himself. The event that prompted Rouse’s legal troubles unfolded almost a year ago, shortly after an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Rouse inquired about the best sniper positions, the height of bulletproof barriers on the fence, and whether he could draw his weapon from there. Fercano, uncertain, replied he wasn’t sure about Rouse’s intentions. If any harm had occurred that day, Rouse insisted he was forced into the situation; Fercano confirmed there were no physical injuries.

However, Fercano mentioned the mental toll it has taken on him, stating, “I have to live with the fact that this individual has weaponized my face.” Initially, he believed the figure in the bushes could have been a homeless person camping and dismissed the potential threat. When he called out to Rouse, he noted seeing Rouse smile before the situation escalated.

As Fercano unloaded his golf cart, he got within five feet of Rouse and recognized that the object visible in the bushes was indeed a weapon.