In the ongoing federal trial surrounding the September 15, 2024 attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, a firearms dealer took the stand to provide key testimony about the sale of the SKS semiautomatic rifle used in the plot.
The witness confirmed that the accused, Ryan Routh, purchased the weapon legally, with all state and federal requirements followed at the time of sale. Prosecutors presented WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Routh before the incident, including one in which he wrote, “I hate him,” in reference to Trump—evidence they argue points directly to motive.
The rifle was later recovered near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club in Florida, where the assassination attempt took place while the president was golfing. Forensic experts testified that the firearm was functional, loaded, and ready to fire, with a round chambered and the safety switched off.
The trial is set to continue with additional testimony from investigators and forensic specialists as prosecutors work to establish a full timeline of how Routh acquired and prepared the weapon ahead of the attempt on President Trump’s life.