A man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course told a federal judge 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, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon.
When the judge asked Routh, 59, whether he wanted her to appoint new attorneys 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 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 imprisonment if convicted.
“Do you understand that self-representation is almost always a bad idea?” the judge asked Routh.
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Author: Dillon B
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