Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course, is set to return to court to further discuss his desire to represent himself. This decision comes after Routh previously requested to fire his court-appointed lawyers during a hearing led by US District Court Judge Aileen Cannon in Fort Pierce.
At 59 years of age, Routh is due back in front of Judge Cannon the day after his public defenders filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing a breakdown in their attorney-client relationship. Although the judge did not make an immediate ruling during the previous hearing, she intends to issue a written order soon.
Prosecutors allege that Routh attempted to shoot Trump while he was playing golf on September 15. He has been charged with attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and various firearm offences, all of which he denies. Despite Routh’s wish to represent himself, Judge Cannon has indicated that the trial is scheduled to commence on September 8, with no intention to delay its start.
Routh, who has completed two years of college and holds a GED certificate, has expressed to the court that he feels disconnected from his attorneys, describing them in a recent letter as being “a million miles apart” from his perspective. He also suggested in the correspondence that he could be used for a prisoner exchange involving other nations.
In a motion submitted by the public defence office, it was stated that Routh had refused multiple attempts to meet with his lawyers. They emphasised that he has the constitutional right to represent himself, provided he demonstrates competency to be self-represented in court.
The attempt on Trump’s life was allegedly methodical, with Routh having plotted the act for weeks before he took aim with a rifle, allegedly intending to harm the former president. Secret Service agents intervened upon spotting him, and in the ensuing chaos, Routh fled without firing a shot. He was later captured with the assistance of a witness who identified him to law enforcement.
As Routh’s legal situation unfolds, he is also facing additional state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. He has a hearing scheduled on the admissibility of certain evidence related to his trial. As the proceedings continue, the complexities of his case remain significant with multiple legal challenges ahead.