The Justice Department says two people helped Ryan Routh—accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump in September 2024—illegally obtain the rifle he allegedly brought to Trump International Golf Club.
In a motion filed Tuesday, prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to admit evidence showing Routh conspired with Tina Cooper, a former employee, and Ronnie Oxendine, a longtime acquaintance, to acquire firearms despite his status as a convicted felon. Cooper pleaded guilty Monday in North Carolina for her role in helping Routh obtain the SKS rifle used in the attempt.
Prosecutors say Routh paid $350 for the rifle and another $100 to Cooper for arranging the deal. Oxendine, who pleaded guilty last month to possessing an unregistered firearm, allegedly supplied the weapon to Routh on Cooper’s behalf.
Text messages cited in the motion reveal Routh asking Cooper to “go shopping for me” and later discussing a .50 caliber sniper rifle. Cooper confirmed to Routh that Oxendine had none available but said she could try to find one elsewhere. Prosecutors say she later exchanged messages with Routh about purchasing the weapon “on the street” for $2,500.
The government says Cooper also gave Routh guidance about how to use the SKS and agreed to keep looking for more weapons. Her statements are being introduced as part of a conspiracy to provide a prohibited person with firearms, which the DOJ argues makes them admissible.
The filing comes as Routh seeks to replace his court-appointed attorneys. A separate motion filed Tuesday requested a sealed hearing to discuss his representation. Prosecutors said they defer to the court on the matter but oppose any hearing that could result in delaying the trial.
