Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to kill President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf resort, is set to represent himself in federal court Monday. According to The Associated Press, Routh plans to call three witnesses in his defense after prosecutors spent a week questioning nearly 40 witnesses as they seek a life sentence.
The alleged plot
Federal prosecutors accused Routh of plotting to assassinate the then-candidate for president as he played golf on Sept. 15, 2024. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. When Routh allegedly pointed a gun at the agent, the officer fired, but missed. Routh fled the scene and was captured shortly after, aided by witnesses who saw him running.
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Charges and plea
Routh pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to kill a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and firearms violations. He also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon has ruled Routh competent to act as his own attorney. He plans to call two character witnesses and a firearms expert, arguing that his lawyers failed to show he is “not a dangerous person.” Defendants have the right to represent themselves if a judge deems them capable.
Context and criminal history
Routh has a prior criminal history. In 2002, he was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop and barricading himself with a machine gun and an explosive device. In 2010, police found more than 100 stolen items – from power tools to spa tubs – in a warehouse he owned. Both cases resulted in probation or suspended sentences.
Routh’s alleged assassination attempt came just nine weeks after Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where one spectator was killed before law enforcement shot the gunman.
