The trial of Ryan Routh, a 59-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump, has opened in Fort Pierce, Florida. The case has already drawn attention, not only for the serious charges but also for the defendant’s unconventional approach to jury selection and courtroom conduct.
Before the jury selection began, US District Judge Aileen Cannon had to address an unusual question submitted by the defendant himself. Routh, who is representing himself, included a query asking prospective jurors what they would do if they encountered a turtle in the road. The question baffled both the judge and federal prosecutors, who described it as a distraction from the seriousness of the case.
Prosecutors allege that Routh staked out the perimeter of Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach last September with the intention of killing the president. Investigators say they discovered him with an SKS semiautomatic rifle, scope, and extended magazine. He allegedly fired at an FBI agent before fleeing the scene. Evidence also included a list of Trump’s appearances and a note describing his actions as an assassination attempt.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms violations. Despite the severity of the case, he insisted on defending himself, with court-appointed lawyers standing by.
His eccentric submissions to the court have included requests to challenge Trump to a “beatdown session” or a round of golf, as well as asking to call the president as a witness. Judge Cannon has repeatedly cautioned him about his conduct and reminded him that representing himself is a serious risk.
During jury selection, Routh displayed both courtesy and defiance. He excused one potential juror out of respect for their work teaching autistic children but objected strongly to removing another juror who expressed views sympathetic to restoring felons’ voting rights.
Legal experts warn that self-representation in federal cases rarely ends well. Trial lawyer Neama Rahmani noted that defendants who choose this path face extremely high conviction rates, especially against seasoned prosecutors.
The trial comes just months after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, raising alarm over the rise of political violence in the United States. Trump, though not present in court, remains a central figure in the proceedings. His portrait now hangs at the courthouse entrance, symbolizing the weight of the case.
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Tehran Residents Live in Fear Amid Airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are living in a state of constant tension as airstrikes and drone attacks hit the city, leaving many fearful for their lives. Footage and testimonies obtained by the BBC reveal a population on edge, always anticipating the next explosion. Baran, a businesswoman in her thirties who requested her name be changed, describes her life as a daily gamble. “With the start of drone attacks, no one dares to go outside. Stepping out of my door feels like risking my life,” she says. She remains in constant contact with friends, tracking each other’s safety, even when silence alone feels threatening. The city’s recent unrest has compounded these fears. Following nationwide protests demanding change in January, thousands of Iranians were killed in a brutal crackdown. Many, like Baran, feel their hopes for reform have been shattered. Security measures are […]
Zelensky warns of missile shortage amid conflicts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that his country could soon face a shortage of key missiles due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is diverting military resources away from Ukraine. In an interview with BBC News, Zelensky said the escalation involving United States, Israel and Iran risks weakening Ukraine’s defence efforts. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, as it shifts global attention and resources away from Kyiv. Zelensky expressed concern that peace negotiations with Russia are being delayed, attributing the slowdown largely to the unfolding crisis in Iran. He also noted that rising global energy prices—driven by regional instability—are working in Moscow’s favour while putting additional pressure on Ukraine. A major issue highlighted by the Ukrainian leader is the potential shortage of air defence […]
Iran faces uncertainty after Larijani killing
The death of Ali Larijani, Iran’s senior security official, in an Israeli air strike marks a major turning point for the country’s leadership at a highly sensitive time. Although not a military commander, he played a decisive role in shaping Iran’s strategic direction on security, diplomacy, and conflict. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was deeply involved in key decisions regarding Iran’s stance toward both United States and Israel. His influence extended across the political system, making him one of the most important figures behind the country’s policy choices. Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late February, Larijani adopted a firm position, indicating that Iran was prepared to sustain a prolonged conflict. His own death now adds to a series of targeted strikes that have eliminated several high-ranking officials and commanders in recent weeks, […]
Iran rejects truce bids as Israel targets top security chiefs
Iran has rejected proposals from foreign intermediaries to ease tensions or agree a ceasefire with the United States and Israel, insisting it is not yet the right time for peace . A senior Iranian official said two countries had passed on ideas to reduce tensions or reach a ceasefire, but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, turned them down . According to the official, Khamenei told his first foreign policy meeting that there could be no peace until the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, accept defeat and pay compensation . Khamenei’s comments came as the US Israeli war on Iran entered its third week, with at least 2,000 people reported killed and no sign of an end to the conflict . The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global oil […]
Cuba hit by massive nationwide blackout
Millions of residents in Cuba were left without electricity after the country’s national power grid suffered a major collapse on Monday, according to the state operator UNE. The outage affected most parts of the island, marking another serious disruption in an ongoing energy crisis. Authorities said efforts are underway to gradually restore power across provinces and major cities, although the process remains slow and unstable. This latest blackout adds to a series of nationwide outages that have become increasingly frequent in recent years. The situation is largely driven by persistent fuel shortages. The country depends heavily on imported oil to generate electricity, but supplies have sharply declined. Previously, Venezuela provided a significant share of Cuba’s fuel needs, estimated at around half of total consumption. However, those shipments have stopped, worsening the crisis. Pressure has also intensified from the United States, […]