(Fort Pierce) An American accused of having tried to assassinate Donald Trump last year, in southern Florida, can represent himself during his trial, ruled a federal judge on Thursday.
The Federal District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Ryan Routh’s request to represent himself during his trial, but declared that the lawyers committed should remain in reserve. Earlier in the week, the lawyers committed federally asked to be diverted from the file, saying that the accused had repeatedly refused to meet them.
Ryan Routh, 59, is to appear in trial in September, a year after the prosecution said that an American secret service agent has thwarted his attempt to shoot Donald Trump, then presidential candidate, while he was playing golf.
The man pleaded not guilty of the accusations of attempted assassination of an important presidential candidate, the assault of a federal agent and several infractions related to firearms.
The judge informed Ryan Routh earlier this month that she did not intend to postpone the opening of her trial, scheduled for September 8, even if she let him defend himself. The accused told the magistrate that he understood and that he would be ready.
In a letter of June 29 addressed to judge Cannon, Ryan Routh pointed that his lawyers and were “to him light years” and that they refused to answer his questions.
He also suggested in the same letter as he could be used as part of an exchange of prisoners with Iran, China, North Korea or Russia.
“I could die by being useful and save all this judicial chaos, but no one acts; Perhaps you have the power to exchange me, “wrote the 59-year-old man.
On Wednesday, the office of the federal public defender filed a request for revocation of the appointment of a lawyer, claiming that “the lawyer-client relationship is irreparably broken”. Lawyers said the accused refused to meet them in person at a meeting on Tuesday morning at the Miami federal detention center. They said he had refused six times to meet their team.
“It is clear that Mr. Routh wishes to defend himself, and he is in his constitutional right to make such a request,” read the request.
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the accused have the right to defend themselves during legal proceedings, provided they demonstrate to a judge that they are competent to renounce their right to be defended by a lawyer.
Prosecutors said Ryan Routh had methodically plotted to kill Donald Trump for weeks before pointing a rifle through the bushes while the republican billionaire played golf on September 15 in his private sports club West Palm Beach.
A secret service agent spotted Ryan Routh before Mr. Trump appears in his field of vision. The authorities added that the accused had pointed out his rifle on the agent, who opened fire, forcing the suspect to let go of his weapon and flee without shooting.
The police have obtained the help of a witness who, according to the prosecutors, told the police that they saw a person flee. The witness was then transported by police helicopter to a neighboring highway where Ryan Routh was arrested. Witnesses confirmed that it was indeed the person he had seen, the prosecutors said.
Another hearing, unrelated to the case, is scheduled for Friday in the courtroom of Cannon judge concerning Ryan Routh, in connection with the eligibility of certain evidence and testimonies likely to be used at the trial.
In addition to the federal accusations, Ryan Routh also pleaded not guilty of the accusations of terrorism and attempted murder brought against him by the State.
