Secret Visit to Trump’s Golf Course Tied to High-Profile Assassination Trial
While President Trump met with reporters and signed executive orders in the Oval Office last Tuesday, a quiet but significant visit was taking place at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Unannounced to the public, this visit could have major implications for one of the most high-profile criminal trials in the U.S. this year. According to court filings reviewed by CBS News, defense attorneys for Ryan Routh were granted access to tour the Trump golf course on February 25 to prepare for Routh’s defense in the alleged assassination attempt against Trump during a September 15 golf outing.
Prosecutors revealed in a court filing that they facilitated the visit, even though the golf course is private property and not under their control. In another filing, they noted that Routh’s defense team made an unusual request to inspect the firearm involved in the case, a request the FBI described as "highly unusual" but nonetheless accommodated. Prosecutors also arranged for the transportation of the rifle, scope, magazine, ammunition, and antiballistic plates from the FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia, to the FBI Field Office in Miramar, Florida, so the defense could inspect it after the golf course visit.
The federal criminal case against Routh has garnered significant attention since it was filed in September. Prosecutors allege that Routh meticulously planned to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle at him during his golf outing. However, before Trump came into view, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh, who then allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent. The agent opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. A note left behind by Routh allegedly detailed his intentions.
Ryan Routh’s Trial and Its Significance
Ryan Routh’s trial is scheduled for September 8, 2025, nearly a year after the alleged assassination attempt. The case is being presided over by Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump in 2020. Notably, Judge Cannon dismissed Trump’s classified documents federal criminal case last year, a decision that drew significant attention. Routh faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. Court records show that Routh has a criminal history, with felony convictions in North Carolina in 2002 and 2010.
The case has largely flown under the radar in recent months, overshadowed by other high-profile events, including a dramatic assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2023. However, the visit to Trump’s golf course and the unusual cooperation between prosecutors and the defense team highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the case.
Evidence and Legal Preparations in the Routh Case
The prosecution has gone to great lengths to accommodate the defense team’s requests, including arranging the transportation of key evidence. The firearm, scope, magazine, ammunition, and antiballistic plates were moved from the FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia, to the FBI Field Office in Miramar, Florida. This allowed the defense team to inspect the evidence in South Florida after their visit to the golf course. The defense team was also permitted to bring in consultants to examine the evidence.
Prosecutors have emphasized that these accommodations were made to ensure the defense had the opportunity to prepare its case thoroughly. However, the unusual nature of the requests has raised eyebrows. The FBI described the defense’s request to inspect the firearm in a specific manner as "highly unusual," though they ultimately complied. These efforts suggest that both sides are taking the case extremely seriously, with the prosecution ensuring transparency and the defense leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
A Related Case: Routh’s Son Charged with Child Pornography
The legal troubles of Ryan Routh’s family have deepened with the revelation that his son, Oran Routh, is facing federal charges in a separate case. According to court filings, federal investigators searched Oran Routh’s apartment six days after the alleged assassination attempt. During the search, they discovered an electronic device containing "hundreds of child pornography images."
Prosecutors initially stated that the search was unrelated to the child pornography evidence, but the investigation uncovered multiple devices with suspected child exploitative images. On January 8, Oran Routh signed a plea agreement acknowledging that the material involved "a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age." He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14 at the federal courthouse in Greensboro, North Carolina.
While the cases against Ryan and Oran Routh are separate, court filings indicate that correspondence between the two men has been collected as evidence in Ryan Routh’s assassination attempt case. Both father and son are currently in pretrial detention as they await the resolution of their respective cases.
The Broader Context of the Routh Trial
The trial of Ryan Routh has sparked significant public interest due to its connection to former President Trump, who remains a polarizing and highly visible figure in American politics. The case also raises questions about security measures in place to protect high-profile individuals like Trump, especially in public settings like golf courses.
The fact that Judge Aileen Cannon is presiding over the case adds another layer of intrigue. Cannon’s dismissal of Trump’s classified documents case last year was widely criticized, with some accusing her of bias in favor of the former president. Her involvement in Routh’s trial has already drawn attention, with some wondering how her previous rulings might influence the outcome of this case.
The trial is also notable for its timing, as it is set to take place in September 2025, a year after the alleged assassination attempt. This timeframe gives both the prosecution and the defense ample time to prepare their cases, but it also means that the trial will coincide with the 2024 presidential election cycle, potentially drawing even more media and public attention.
Conclusion: A Complex and High-Stakes Legal Battle
The case against Ryan Routh is shaping up to be one of the most significant legal battles of the year, with implications that extend beyond the courtroom. The unusual cooperation between prosecutors and the defense, the involvement of a high-profile judge, and the separate charges against Routh’s son all contribute to a complex and high-stakes legal landscape.
As the trial approaches, questions about justice, security, and fairness will continue to swirl. The outcome of the case will not only determine Routh’s fate but also potentially impact public perception of the justice system’s ability to handle cases involving high-profile figures. With so much on the line, the trial of Ryan Routh is sure to remain a major focus of attention in the months to come.
