An FBI special agent testified this week that the SUV belonging to Ryan Routh—accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump—appeared to be set up as a mobile living space and was filled with items suggesting concealment, evasion, and potential planning. The testimony, delivered in federal court, described a vehicle packed with bedding, clothing, phones, passports, and handwritten notes. Prosecutors are using this evidence to argue that Routh’s actions were calculated and premeditated.
The black Nissan Xterra was searched shortly after Routh’s arrest. Inside, agents found the back seats folded down, a makeshift bed, a portable toilet, gloves, zip ties, a disposable tablecloth, a black face mask, and other tools. A .45-caliber shell casing was discovered in the glove compartment. One of the stickers on the outside of the SUV had been spray-painted black, with paint drips left behind, and three different license plates were found inside and under the vehicle.
FBI Special Agent Kyle Carroll, who testified at the trial, said agents recovered six phones, a U.S. passport, an expired Hawaii driver’s license, and receipts from gas stations in Florida dating back several weeks. Among the most troubling items were two handwritten notes. One listed items including “pipe,” “C-clamp,” “blanket,” “poncho,” and phone numbers. Another note included references to flight options under an alias: “Bryan Wilson,” including departure cities, destinations, and specific airline details.
One note also read “Make tourniquet,” suggesting preparation for potential injury. Carroll told the court the vehicle “looked lived in,” describing it as cluttered and packed with items used for extended stays or travel. He said the evidence supported a theory that Routh was living out of the vehicle while avoiding detection.
Routh, who is representing himself in court, has questioned the timeline and chain of custody for some of the evidence. He asked whether certain items could have been in the vehicle long before the alleged plot. The defense appears to be focused on undermining claims of intent and premeditation, while federal prosecutors argue the contents of the SUV show planning, mobility, and possible efforts to disguise identity.
The case continues to highlight the seriousness of political violence and the need for heightened security around public officials. Prosecutors are building a detailed profile of Routh’s movements and actions, using the SUV contents as key physical evidence in their case.
