Jury selection starts Monday in the federal trial of Ryan Routh, the 59-year-old man charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024.

Routh has elected to represent himself in the proceedings, dismissing his court-appointed attorneys. The decision to act as his own counsel adds complexity to a case that prosecutors describe as a planned assassination attempt on a major presidential candidate.

According to federal prosecutors, Routh positioned himself along the perimeter fence of Trump International Golf Club on September 15, 2024, while Trump was playing golf. Investigators allege Routh created what they termed a "sniper's nest" by threading the barrel of an AK-47 style rifle through the chain-link fence, with a clear line of sight to the golf course.

Routh faces five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms violations. The attempted assassination charge alone carries a potential life sentence.