FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump last year on a Florida golf course told a federal judge on Thursday that he wanted to represent him, saying he was ready to fire a court-appointed lawyer and defend the ju judge this fall.
Ryan Rouse made his request at a hearing at Fort Pierce before U.S. District Court Judge Irene Cannon.
When the judge asked Routh (59), Routh replied whether he wanted him to appoint a new lawyer to protect him: “No. I represent myself.”
Routh is scheduled to go to court in September. Prosecutors say Secret Service agents have stopped attempts to play golf and shoot Trump. Routh pleaded not guilty to accusations of attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate and assaulting several firearm violations with federal officers.
Ryan Rouse calls for a new defense team in Trump’s assassination
Cannon closed the courtroom to reporters and the public for about an hour on Thursday to discuss issues that could include power of attorney privilege. The public portion of the hearing was resumed by asking Routh for about 30 minutes about whether he understands the gravity that protects himself if he is convicted, if he could face a life sentence.
“Do you understand that self-expression is almost always a bad idea?” the judge asked Rous.
“Yes, your honor,” replied Routh. He described his education as a two-year university after obtaining a GED certificate.
Cannon also asked Rouse if he understands the court’s rules of evidence and federal criminal cases. He told her: “I have a book.”
Cannon did not control during the hearing. She said she would place an order in writing later.
The U.S. Supreme Court held that a criminal defendant has the right to represent himself in court cases as long as he can demonstrate that the judge has the capacity to waive his right to be protected by his lawyer.
The judge told Rous he would not delay the September 8th start date of his trial, even if she had him represent. Rous told her he understood and was ready.
Prosecutors said Trump was nervous about killing Trump for weeks before attempting to plant him when he played golf at West Palm Beach Country Club on September 15th. Before Trump enters his sights, Secret Service agents discover Routh. Rous is said to have pointed his rifle at the agent.
Law enforcement received help from witnesses who said prosecutors saw the person who notified officers escaped. The witnesses were then flew by police helicopter to the interstate nearby where Lous was arrested, and the witnesses confirmed that it was the person he saw, prosecutors said.
In addition to federal charges, Rous also pleaded not guilty to state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
