(The Center Square) – Pursuit of 12 jurors and four alternates for the trial of Ryan Routh in Florida has concluded a second day, with Judge Aileen Cannon both offering him some praise and enduring bouts of disjointed proceedings.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations. Cannon granted his request to defend himself, with court-appointed lawyers on standby.
Prosecutors say the suspect was going to attempt take the life of Donald Trump, eventual winner of the presidency over then-Vice President Kamala Harris, as he golfed on a Sunday afternoon. The Sept. 15 incident came 65 days after a shooter on a roof struck Trump’s ear with a bullet in Butler, Pa.
Security agents for Trump encountered Routh prior to the golf group reaching the area. Routh is accused of raising a rifle, leading to a shot from agents, a short vehicle chase and the suspect’s apprehension.
Security is tight, including federal marshals in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Pierce.
Jury questionnaires have aided the process and Cannon complimented him at one point. He’s also clashed with the bench on asking questions related to politics.
Selections are expected to close on Wednesday, and opening arguments would follow on Thursday. Four weeks are reserved on the court calendar.
Routh is a construction worker by trade from Greensboro. He’s been outspoken on world conflict, inclusive of the countries of Ukraine, Afghanistan, Moldova, Taiwan and Russia.
The Center Square confirmed he participated in the Super Tuesday primaries in 2024 from the North Carolina State Board of Elections website, and in Hawaii’s 2024 elections through the Office of the City Clerk for the city and county of Honolulu.
