Court proceedings commence for the individual charged with devising a plan to assassinate former President Trump on a golf course.

Jury selection for the trial of Ryan Routh, a man charged with plotting to shoot former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course during the 2020 presidential election campaign, began on Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida. Routh, who is representing himself at the trial, is facing charges of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses, which carry a potential life sentence if convicted.

The trial is being presided over by Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump during his first term as president. Judge Cannon granted Routh's request that he be allowed to act as his own attorney but said he would be appointed standby counsel. This decision is rare in US courts, particularly in high-profile criminal cases.

Routh's decision to defend himself came after the public defenders assigned to argue his case announced they had been removed following his refusal to meet them. The court has also rejected Routh's requests for strippers, a golf putting green, and for jurors to be selected according to their views on Gaza and Trump's desire to purchase Greenland.

Routh gained national attention earlier this year when Judge Cannon dismissed charges against a Republican over his hoarding of top secret government documents in his Florida home. However, the details surrounding Routh's connection to this incident remain unclear.

Routh's alleged motives for the assassination attempt also remain unclear. Court filings have revealed that he has made statements against Trump, including calling him a "baboon" and an "idiot." Routh has also expressed a fixation with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reportedly traveling to Kyiv in an attempt to join foreign volunteer units before being rejected due to his age and lack of experience.

An earlier incident involving an assassination attempt on Trump occurred on July 13, where 20-year-old Matthew Crooks fired several shots during a rally. However, the outcome of that incident is not detailed in the available information.

Routh was arrested on September 15 after a Secret Service agent saw a rifle poking from the bushes on a golf course where Trump was playing. The agent opened fire and Routh, who fled in a vehicle, was arrested shortly after.

If convicted, Routh faces life in prison. The trial is expected to be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the former president.

Court proceedings commence for the individual charged with devising a plan to assassinate former President Trump on a golf course.