Fort Pierce, July 24 (AP) - A man facing charges of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last year is set to appear in court again on Thursday. He will again express his wish to dismiss his court-appointed attorneys and represent himself.
Earlier this month, Ryan Routh made this request during a hearing in Fort Pierce before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon. Although she did not make a decision at that time, she mentioned that a written order would be issued later. Routh, 59, now faces another court appearance in front of Judge Cannon, following a request from his federal public defenders to be released from their duties.
Routh's trial is slated for September, nearly a year after prosecutors alleged a U.S. Secret Service agent thwarted his plan to shoot Trump while he was playing golf. Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.
Judge Cannon previously informed Routh that the trial is still scheduled to begin on September 8, irrespective of whether he is allowed to represent himself. Routh, who completed two years of college after obtaining his GED, assured the judge of his readiness.
In a letter dated June 29 addressed to Judge Cannon, Routh expressed dissatisfaction with his attorneys, stating they were "a million miles apart" and unresponsive to his inquiries. He also suggested the possibility of being used in a prisoner exchange with countries like Iran, China, North Korea, or Russia.
"I could die being of some use and save all this court mess, but no one acts; perhaps you have the power to trade me away," Routh wrote.
On Wednesday, the federal public defender's office submitted a motion to terminate their appointment as Routh's counsel, citing an "irreconcilably broken" attorney-client relationship. They noted Routh's refusal to meet with them for a scheduled in-person session at the federal detention center in Miami and mentioned his rejection of six meeting attempts with their team.
"It is clear that Mr. Routh wishes to represent himself, and he is within his Constitutional rights to make such a demand," the motion stated.
The U.S. Supreme Court recognizes the right of criminal defendants to represent themselves in court, provided they demonstrate to the judge their competency to waive their right to counsel.
Prosecutors allege Routh planned for weeks to assassinate Trump, taking aim through shrubbery as Trump golfed at his West Palm Beach country club on September 15. Before Trump appeared, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh. When Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, the agent fired, resulting in Routh dropping his weapon and fleeing.
Law enforcement, aided by a witness, located Routh after a brief pursuit. The witness, flown by police helicopter to a nearby interstate, identified Routh as the person seen fleeing, according to prosecutors.
Routh faces an additional hearing on Friday regarding the admissibility of certain evidence and testimony for his trial in Judge Cannon's courtroom.
Besides federal charges, Routh has also pleaded not guilty to state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. (AP) GRS GRS
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