Prosecutors Seek to Limit Access to Evidence in Trump Assassination Attempt Case
by Ali Tucker | Oct 17, 2024
The request stems from concerns that Routh might misuse the evidence to sway public opinion or disrupt the judicial process. Prosecutors argued in the motion that these protections are essential to prevent improper dissemination of discovery materials, which could influence the public’s perception of the case or interfere with the proper administration of justice.
According to the filing, Routh has actively sought media attention. Prosecutors noted that he has previously self-published a book calling for Trump’s assassination, condemned the president in both public and private forums, and even attempted to copyright a fictional work based on his life. In recent years, he also drafted letters to various media outlets to discuss his personal views and allegedly offered a $150,000 bounty for someone to carry out his objective of assassinating Trump.
Routh’s efforts to gain media attention reportedly continued behind bars. Prosecutors detailed a jailhouse phone call in which Routh told his daughter he wanted contact information for news organizations and expressed his frustration that NBC had been denied permission to interview him. His daughter reportedly cautioned that contacting the media might not be wise, saying it wouldn’t be good for “us” at this time.
As of Thursday, a judge had not ruled on the prosecution’s motion.
Routh, a resident of Hawaii, is accused of stalking Trump for a month before constructing a sniper’s nest near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prosecutors have charged him with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. Routh has pleaded not guilty.
Court documents describe the sniper’s nest, where Routh allegedly waited for hours with a rifle equipped with a scope. FBI agents found two bags hanging from a fence near the sixth hole of the golf course, containing plates designed to stop small-arms fire. Between the bags lay an SKS-style rifle with a scope, bearing Routh’s fingerprint on a piece of tape attached to the weapon.
Prosecutors believe Routh had been planning the assassination for months. Agents discovered a handwritten list in Routh’s vehicle detailing dates and venues where Trump had appeared or was expected to appear between August and October 2024. A note left with a civilian witness offered money for someone to complete the assassination.
“This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I failed you,” the note read. “I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”
Routh’s attorney has characterized the situation as a publicity stunt, but federal authorities take the threat seriously. A Secret Service agent, who was one hole ahead of Trump at the golf course, reported seeing a rifle protruding from the tree line. The agent fired in the direction of the rifle, and a witness later informed authorities that Routh fled the scene in a Nissan SUV.
Cellphone records place Routh at the scene for nearly 12 hours, from just before 2 a.m. until early afternoon, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court.
