Ryan Routh, the man charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last year, informed U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday, “I will represent myself,” during a hearing in Fort Pierce. Routh, 59, requested to dismiss his court-appointed attorneys and assume his own defense ahead of his trial scheduled for September, according to a report from PBS.
When Judge Cannon asked whether Routh desired new attorneys to be appointed, he responded, “No. I will represent myself.” The judge then conducted a 30-minute inquiry to confirm Routh’s understanding of the significant risks associated with self-representation, especially given the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. “Do you understand that self-representation is almost always a bad idea?” Cannon asked. Routh replied, “Yes, your honor.”
Routh stated that his educational background included two years of college following completion of a GED. When questioned about his familiarity with courtroom procedures and the rules of evidence, he assured the judge, “I have a book.”
Judge Cannon then closed the courtroom to the public and reporters for approximately one hour to address issues potentially involving attorney-client privilege. She indicated that she would issue a formal ruling at a later time, saying, “I would issue a written order later.” The U.S. Supreme Court has previously established that criminal defendants may represent themselves if they can adequately demonstrate competence to waive their right to legal counsel.
Routh has entered not guilty pleas to multiple federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearm violations. He allegedly has tried to recruit soldiers to fight on behalf of Ukraine. Prosecutors assert that Routh “methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks” before aiming a rifle through bushes at Trump’s West Palm Beach country club on September 15. According to prosecutors, a Secret Service agent observed Routh pointing the rifle, prompting the agent to open fire. Routh dropped his firearm and fled without firing, prosecutors said.
Authorities report that a witness later identified Routh after being flown in a police helicopter to an interstate location where Routh was apprehended. Alongside the federal charges, Routh faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder, to which he has also pleaded not guilty.
Judge Cannon emphasized her intention to maintain the trial’s scheduled start date of September 8, regardless of her decision on Routh’s self-representation. Routh confirmed his preparedness, saying that he understood and would be ready.
