Man accused of Trump assassination bid wants to fire lawyers, represent himself in court
Prosecutors say a Secret Service agent thwarted Ryan Routh’s attempt to shoot Trump as he played golf in Florida
A man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course told a US federal judge on Thursday he wants to fire his court-appointed lawyers and represent himself, saying he will be ready to defend himself before a trial jury this fall.
Ryan Routh made his request during a hearing in Fort Pierce before US District Court Judge Aileen Cannon.
When the judge asked Routh, 59, whether he wanted her to appoint new lawyers to defend him, Routh replied: “No. I will represent myself.”
Routh is scheduled to stand trial in September, a year after prosecutors say a Secret Service agent thwarted his attempt to shoot Trump as he played golf. Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.
Cannon closed the courtroom to reporters and the public for about an hour on Thursday to discuss matters potentially involving attorney-client privilege. The public portion of the hearing resumed with Cannon questioning Routh for about 30 minutes on whether he understands the gravity of defending himself in a case where he could face life imprisonment if convicted.
“Do you understand that self-representation is almost always a bad idea?” the judge asked Routh.
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Donald Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt at Florida golf course