Gun vendor addresses Ryan Routh in heated courtroom discussion: "I've heard rumors of you threatening others"
In the ongoing trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump in 2024, several key witnesses have taken the stand.
Ronnie Jay Oxendine, a North Carolina roofing contractor, testified that he sold a semiautomatic rifle to Routh. Investigators found this rifle at the South Bay, Florida truck stop, where they also discovered orange earplugs and empty Vienna sausage cans.
Oxendine admitted that the FBI later charged him with possession of a sawed-off shotgun and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He identified the rifle he sold as the one shown to him in court.
Tina Brown Cooper, another individual connected to the case, pleaded guilty to gun offenses in relation to the purchase of the same rifle. Oxendine claimed that Routh wanted the gun because his son was being intimidated by his roommates.
AT&T employee Aaron Thompson testified that Routh bought a prepaid line under the name 'John White.' However, Routh's statement to Thompson, 'I don't know how trustworthy you are,' was struck from the record.
During cross-examination, Routh made an outburst that was struck from the record by Judge Aileen Cannon.
Routh addressed the empty Vienna sausage cans on the ground around the truck stop, suggesting that food was left out to feed bugs and ants. He stated that whoever left the food did not clean up at the truck stop, indicating it would have been a nice gesture to do so.
The courtroom heard from FBI Task Force Officer Patrick Lantry about surveillance at the South Bay, Florida truck stop.
As the trial progresses, prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case on Thursday, with the defense being told to have its witnesses ready on Friday. The trial is taking place in Fort Pierce, Florida.
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