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The trial against Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during a golf game in 2024, began this Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida, with jury selection.
The information was confirmed by the Associated Press, which is covering the proceedings from the federal court where Routh, 59, chose to represent himself.
Dressed in a gray jacket, a red tie with white stripes, and khaki pants, the accused addressed the first 60 jury candidates with an unusual message: "Thank you for being here. I regret having to make you come."
Federal judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump himself, approved Routh to represent himself without an attorney, although with the assistance of court-appointed defenders.
Cannon rejected the questions that Routh wanted to ask the jurors—such as their opinions on Gaza, the purchase of Greenland, or what they would do if they saw a turtle on the road—considering them irrelevant.
The 120 jury candidates filled out questionnaires in the morning and were then divided into three groups.
Of the first 60, 27 cited difficulties in participating in a lengthy trial, and 20 were excused.
The selection process will continue until there are 12 regular jurors and four alternates. The initial arguments are expected to begin on Thursday.
The process occurs nearly a year after, according to prosecutors, Routh attempted to shoot Trump with a rifle while he was playing golf at his club in West Palm Beach.
A Secret Service agent detected Routh before the then-presidential candidate was in the line of fire.
The accused pointed the weapon at the officer, who responded by opening fire. Routh abandoned the gun and fled, the agency recalled.
A key witness alerted the authorities, and with the help of a police helicopter, Routh was located and arrested on a nearby highway.
The prosecutors also have as evidence photographs of the accused with a weapon similar to the one found on the golf course.
In addition to federal charges for attempted murder, assaulting a federal agent, and weapons violations, Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted homicide. He has denied all the charges.
Before the attempt in Florida, Trump had already survived another assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where an assailant fired eight times and a bullet grazed his ear before being taken down by the Secret Service.
Routh, a former construction worker from North Carolina, had recently lived in Hawaii.
According to witnesses, he described himself as a "mercenary leader" and sought to engage in armed conflicts in various parts of the world. He attempted to recruit fighters in Afghanistan, Moldova, and Taiwan to fight in Ukraine.
In 2002, he was arrested following an incident involving an automatic weapon and an explosive in North Carolina.
In 2010, the police found over 100 stolen items on a property belonging to him. Despite the severity of these cases, he received probation or suspended sentences.
Frequently asked questions about the trial for the attempted murder of Donald Trump
Who is Ryan Routh and why is he being judged?
Ryan Routh is a former construction worker accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during a golf game in 2024. He is facing federal charges for attempted murder, assault on a federal agent, and weapons violations, as well as state charges for terrorism and attempted homicide.
What was the role of the Secret Service in the assassination attempt on Trump?
During the attempted assassination in Florida, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh before he could shoot Trump, which allowed the attack to be thwarted. The agent responded by opening fire when Routh aimed at him, forcing the accused to flee before being arrested.
What background does Ryan Routh have?
Ryan Routh has a criminal record that includes an arrest in 2002 for an incident involving an automatic weapon and an explosive in North Carolina, as well as a case in 2010 where more than 100 stolen items were found on his property. Despite this background, he had received probation or suspended sentences.
How has the assassination attempt on Donald Trump affected him?
The assassination attempt has had a significant impact on Donald Trump, who now considers himself more attentive and grateful. He and his close associates believe that he was saved by divine intervention, which has strengthened his determination to change the course of the country during his term.
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