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Ryan Routh’s federal trial accused of attempting to assassinate the president Donald Trump When he played golf in September 2024, the FBI forensic expert program resumed testimony on Tuesday.
Jurors heard on Monday FBI Gun and Tool Marking Inspector Erich Smith claims the rifle found near the sixth hole of Trump International Golf Club was a Chinese-made Nolinko SKS. Smith said the weapon was “working” when it was recovered, successfully tested in the FBI lab, equipped with a round in the room, and turned off safety – meaning it was “ready to open fire.”
He also testified that the rifle’s serial number had been “eliminated in multiple places” but could be partially restored.
Flashlight, rifle, backpack: Prosecutors outline what Ryan Routh calls sniper setup
A sketch depicts government witnesses in court during the trial of Ryan Routh in Fort Pierce, Florida on September 15, 2025. (Lothar Speer)
Smith showed the jurors a 7.62x39mm full metal jacket loaded in the rifle.
“The purpose of the bullet is to punch holes in an object,” he said. “If it hits the target, it will be in trouble on something.”
Routh represents himself, crosses Smith Semi-automaticwhether the test shot was recorded, and whether the gun could change hands at the gun show before obtaining it.
“So, should we believe your words?“ Rolls asked Smith.
A sketch depicts government witnesses in court during the Ryan Routh trial in Fort Pierce, Florida on September 15, 2025. (Lothar Speer)
Smith replied: “That’s it.”
When Routh wandered beyond the scope of his testimony, Trump-appointed judge Aileen Cannon continued to sue objections.
Court There was also news from FBI biologist Curtis Gaul, who testified about the collection of potential DNA samples from rifle grips, gloves, zippers and other items. Rout briefly interrogated, asking where the gloves were found and whether Gaul knew who had deleted the range of the rifle.
Cannon cut off multiple inquiries, urging prosecutors and Rouse to keep the exam going.
Ryan Routh Trial: Jury Choice Begins in Trump Assassination Case
A sketch depicts government witnesses in court during the Ryan Routh trial in Fort Pierce, Florida on September 15, 2025. (Lothar Speer)
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In parts of the Gaul testimony, jurors seemed confused, and prosecutors quoted exhibition numbers without always showing them. Meanwhile, Rolls is seen leaning forward, taking notes and staring at his fingerprints on the screen to show his fingerprints.
When the court resumed Tuesday morning, prosecutors are expected to call FBI biologist Kara Gregor, followed by other experts in the FBI’s digital forensics and oversight positions as they continue to establish lawsuits against Routh.
