❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukraine sympathizer Ryan Rotuh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in Florida last year, will represent himself in court—but the judge has warned him not to make “any sudden movements.”
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ryan Routh, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, and court-appointed attorneys.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Jury selection begins Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the trial scheduled to start September 11.
💬KEY QUOTE: “If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond.” – U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon
🎯IMPACT: The trial will address charges including attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearm violations.
Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump in Florida last year, will act as his own attorney at his trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh’s request in July, with court-appointed lawyers remaining as standby counsel. During a hearing on Tuesday, the court provided Routh with instructions on courtroom conduct—with Judge Cannon warning him, “If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond.”
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida. Opening statements are set for September 11, with prosecutors expected to present their case immediately after. The trial is projected to last four weeks, though attorneys believe it could be shorter.
Prosecutors allege that nearly a year ago, Routh, then 58, pointed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery at his West Palm Beach country club while he golfed. A U.S. Secret Service agent stopped the alleged assassination attempt. Now 59, Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.
State authorities also accuse Routh of almost killing a six-year-old girl during his attempt to evade law enforcement, causing a multi-car crash that seriously injured her.
Based in Hawaii, Routh reportedly presented himself as a mercenary leader. Witnesses said he openly discussed violent plans and tried to recruit fighters for global conflicts, particularly Ukraine’s war with Russia. His prior criminal record includes weapons and stolen property offenses.
The trial will cover federal charges as well as state charges of attempted murder and terrorism.
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