The man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club last year informed a federal judge Thursday that he wishes to represent himself in court, declining the services of his court-appointed attorneys.
Ryan Routh, 59, made the request during a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon. When asked whether he wanted the court to appoint new legal representation, Routh responded plainly: “No. I will represent myself.”
Following his declaration, Judge Cannon cleared the courtroom of reporters and members of the public for roughly an hour to address matters that could involve attorney-client privilege. The hearing was scheduled to resume Thursday afternoon, according to The Associated Press.
Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, criminal defendants have the constitutional right to represent themselves in court proceedings, provided they can demonstrate to the judge that they are mentally competent and capable of knowingly waiving their right to legal counsel.
Prosecutors allege that Routh carefully plotted the attempted assassination for weeks before positioning himself with a rifle concealed in shrubbery as Trump played golf on September 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent noticed Routh before Trump entered his line of sight.
According to authorities, Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who then opened fire. Routh dropped his weapon and fled the scene without discharging a shot. Law enforcement was alerted by a witness who reported seeing a man running from the scene. That witness was later flown by police helicopter to a nearby interstate, where he identified Routh following his arrest, prosecutors said.
Routh faces a range of federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In addition to federal charges, he also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
He has entered a plea of not guilty. Routh’s federal trial is scheduled to begin in September. If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face life in prison, according to federal officials. As the case moves forward, Routh’s decision to represent himself adds a new layer of complexity to what is already a high-profile and politically sensitive legal proceeding.