Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Jury Selection Begins in Federal Case Against Trump Attack Suspect | Crime Alert 6AM 09.08.25

Episode Date: September 9, 2025

Jury selection is underway in the federal trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in Florida during the most recent presidential campaign. In Texas, law enforcement in Cleveland—near Houston—is investigating a fatal shooting at a local bar. A Washington, D.C. shooting has left another city reeling and prompted renewed focus on public safety. In Tennessee, a judge has ruled the case against Austin Robert Drummond, accused of killing four family members and kidnapping a baby, may proceed to a grand jury. A shooting in South Carolina is prompting renewed calls for hate-crime legislation in the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime Alert, I'm John Lemley. We begin this hour with a notable development in the U.S. criminal justice system. Jury's selection underway now in the federal trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in Florida during the most recent presidential campaign. Federal court proceedings have commenced in Fort Pierce, Florida, as officials began selecting a jury for Routh's trial. Routh, now 59, is charged with attempted assassination. of a major presidential candidate,

assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms violations. He has pleaded not guilty and is representing himself, though court-appointed counsel stands by should he need assistance. According to court documents, U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon

has blocked some of Ralph's proposed questions for potential jurors, deeming them irrelevant, while allowing others from the prosecution to proceed. Jury selection is expected to wrap up in three days, with opening statements anticipated by Thursday. Prosecutors alleged Ralph approached his target armed with a rifle positioning himself behind nearby shrubbery. Secret service agents intervene preventing any shots from being fired,

and Ralph was soon arrested afterward with the aid of a civilian witness. The trial may last fewer than the reserved four weeks, depending on how swiftly the proceedings advance. Thanks, John. For the latest crime and justice, Justice News, go to crimeonline.com, and please join us for our daily podcast, crime stories. More crime and justice news after this. Now with the latest crime and justice breaking news, Crime Online's John Lemley. We turn now to Texas, where law enforcement in Cleveland near Houston is investigating a fatal shooting at a local bar. Police report that shortly after midnight Monday, a lone suspect entered Alas Locas, a casual

sports bar and restaurant, and after conversing for around an hour, exited only to return with a weapon. He opened fire on patrons sitting on the patio, critically injuring six people. One man was pronounced dead at the scene while two others were airlifted to area hospitals. Investigators believe the suspect acted alone. He reportedly fled in a white van, distinguished by a long scratch along one side. At this time, law enforcement has not released details regarding the motive, suspect identity, or the condition of other victims. The case remains under active investigation. A Washington, D.C. shooting has left another city reeling and prompted renewed focus on public safety.

Two 17-year-olds, Kelvin Thomas Jr., and Jalen Lucas have been arrested and are now charged as adults in connection with the fatal shooting of Eric Tarpinian Yakim, a 21-year-old congressional intern, from Massachusetts. The incident occurred June 30th near Mount Vernon Square. Tarpinian Yakim was struck by four stray bullets and died at the scene. A 16-year-old boy and a woman were also wounded in the exchange. The victim had been interning for Representative Ron Estes and was set to begin his senior year at UMass Amherst. His death prompted a moment of silence in the House of Representatives and detention from the White House, where it was cited in discussions about bolstering law enforcement. Authorities continue to seek a third suspect.

City and federal officials are calling for a renewed dialogue on juvenile crime and public safety in the Capitol. New in Tennessee at this hour, a judge has ruled the case against Austin Robert Drummond, accused of killing four family members and kidnapping a baby, may proceed to a grand jury. Drummond, who pleaded guilty, faces charges including first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

FBI testimony confirmed cell phone data placed him near the wooded area where four victims, James M. Wilson, Adriana Williams, Braden Williams, and Courtney Rose were found shot under tarps. Five others are charged as accessories. The abandoned infant was found safe. Emotional reactions in court underscored public interest, and a gag order was issued after Drummond spoke to media from James. Prosecutors may seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Finally, in South Carolina, a shooting is prompting renewed calls for hate crime legislation in the state.

A black man identified as Jarvis McKenzie was shot at while waiting to go to work. Authorities have characterized the incident as racially motivated. McKenzie is now advocating for stronger hate crime protections, noting that his state is only one of two without such statutes on the book. In response, Sheriff Leon Lott and Governor Henry McMaster have publicly discussed the incident and the state's legislative options. McKenzie's advocacy reflects a growing concern over ensuring legal protections against bias-motivated violence. Thanks, John. For the latest, Crime Injustice News, go to crimeonline.com, and please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and solve

unsolved homicides. With this crime alert, I'm Nancy Grace. This is an I-Heart podcast.