Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a man charged with plotting to shoot Donald Trump on a Florida golf course during last year's presidential election campaign. In an unusual step, Ryan Routh, 59, is representing himself at the trial in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is expected to last…

FORT PIERCE, Florida >> The man accused of attempting to kill President Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course began his trial today and, facing the prospect of life in prison, opted to fire his legal team and defend himself in court.

Ryan Routh's federal trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump begins with jury selection in Fort Pierce, Florida, as he represents himself.

Ryan Routh has pleaded not guilty and plans to defend himself in court. The most serious charge against him carries a sentence of up to life in prison.

Ryan Wesley Routh, who attempted to shoot at President Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida last year, will represent himself at trial.

Routh was arrested on 15 September after a Secret Service agent saw the barrel of a rifle poking from the bushes on the perimeter a golf course where Trump was playing a round.

Ryan Routh is charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, after a rifle was seen poking through bushes at Donald Trump's West Palm Beach golf course in Florida last year.

The man accused of attempting to kill President Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course goes on trial beginning on Monday and, facing the prospect of life in prison, has opted to fire his legal team and defend himself in court.