Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, will represent himself in his upcoming federal trial in Fort Pierce, Florida. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted his request in July, though court-appointed attorneys will remain as standby counsel. Cannon emphasized heightened courtroom security, warning Routh that any sudden movements would prompt swift action by marshals.
Jury selection is set to begin Monday and expected to last three days, with three panels of 60 potential jurors being questioned to seat 12 jurors and four alternates. Opening statements are scheduled for September 11, and the trial may last up to four weeks, though it could conclude earlier.
The charges stem from an incident on September 15, 2024, when prosecutors allege Routh planned to shoot Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Routh reportedly hid with a rifle in nearby shrubbery before being spotted by a Secret Service agent, who exchanged fire with him. Routh fled and was later apprehended. He faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination and firearms violations, as well as state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
Originally from North Carolina, Routh has a documented history of erratic behavior and legal trouble. He has previously tried to recruit foreign fighters for conflicts abroad and was arrested in 2002 for possessing an explosive device labeled a “weapon of mass destruction.” Despite these offenses, he avoided prison time in earlier cases.
Leading up to the trial, Routh has filed several bizarre motions. In one, he offered to accept new evidence if allowed to subpoena Trump, whom he insulted in inflammatory language. He even proposed a golf match with Trump to determine his fate.
Judge Cannon has not yet ruled on Routh’s unusual requests, but has confirmed he may represent himself under strict supervision, with standby counsel ready to assist if necessary. The trial is expected to receive national attention.
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