Final Witness Links Ryan Routh to Trump’s Golf Club and Alleged Assassination Plan

Final Witness Links Ryan Routh to Trump’s Golf Club and Alleged Assassination Plan

Prosecutors concluded their presentation in the federal trial of Ryan Routh on Friday. Routh faces accusations of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club on September 15, 2024.

Critical Testimony from the FBI

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Kimberly McGreevy provided key testimony regarding financial records, phone data, license plate reader information, and surveillance evidence. These elements collectively traced Routh’s movements from Hawaii to Florida in the days leading up to the attempted assassination.

During her testimony, McGreevy read a handwritten note that Routh allegedly left in a box at the home of an acquaintance, Lazaro Plata, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The note declared, “Dear World… This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I am so sorry I failed you… it’s up to you now to complete the job.” Routh’s letter also referred to a $150,000 reward. Evidence presented by McGreevy indicated that bank transfers confirmed Routh had sufficient funds to fulfill that promise.

Financial Transactions Raise Suspicion

Jurors examined evidence detailing financial accounts shared by Routh, his daughter Sara, and his son Adam. A significant March 15, 2024 deposit of $162,000 into Sara’s account was followed by a $160,000 transfer to another account under her name the same day. Additionally, McGreevy displayed Venmo transactions indicating money transfers from Sara’s accounts to Routh.

Suspicious Online Activity

Prosecutors also uncovered phone records demonstrating web searches that included inquiries about Trump’s campaign schedule, rally tickets, golf courses, and his personal movements. Notably, the phones revealed searches like “how many bullets does an SKS rifle hold?” on September 4, 2024, and numerous images related to firearms. One text exchange between Routh and a contact named Vladimir raised eyebrows. Following the exchange of an aerial image, Routh replied to Vladimir’s question about the location with, “Trump’s plane. He gets on and off every day.”

Routh’s Activities in Florida

According to McGreevy, Routh’s primary location between August 14 and September 15, 2024 was the Marathon truck stop in South Bay, Florida. Receipts confirmed that he paid cash for overnight parking at that establishment.

Body cam footage from a welfare check conducted at the truck stop captured Routh dressed in madras-print shorts, which were later identified as being in his Xterra vehicle. Surveillance footage from an airport indicated Routh was present when Trump’s plane took off on September 7.

Evidence of Presence Near Trump’s Golf Course

License plate reader data placed Routh’s black Nissan Xterra in the Palm Beach area multiple times, with recorded sightings on March 29, March 30, March 31, and April 3, 2024. It was revealed that one plate was registered to Sara Routh, while another belonged to an unrelated vehicle, and one remained unassigned.

Photographic Evidence Links Routh to the Scene

Prosecutors unveiled a photograph taken from one of Routh’s burner phones, showcasing a map of the 14th hole at Trump’s golf course, complete with several pins dropped on significant locations. Routh’s reflection appeared in the image. Investigators subsequently compared this photo to another image featuring an SKS rifle propped against a tree at the same 14th hole. Additionally, a 56-ounce Sunny Delight bottle was found nearby, which correlated with a receipt discovered in Routh’s vehicle.

Routh’s Behavior in Court

Inside the courtroom, Routh entered with a smile, dressed in a blue suit coat, white shirt, and red striped tie. According to reporters, his daughter Sara was the only family member present, taking notes throughout the proceedings. Routh was observed taking notes too, often leaning back, one leg propped up, and smiling when the testimony suggested he had paid for hardware supplies in cash.

The Road Ahead for the Trial

The trial is set to proceed next week, with the defense poised to begin calling its own witnesses following the conclusion of the government’s case this afternoon. As developments unfold, attention remains focused on the implications of the evidence presented and the potential outcomes of this high-profile trial.