The man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump is scheduled to stand trial in November, according to a federal judge’s order on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon set a trial date for Ryan Routh, 58, on Monday, November 18. This decision came after Routh pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate.
Routh has been held in jail without bond since last month when a judge deemed him a potential flight risk. He is accused of lying in wait for Trump near one of his Florida golf courses while armed with an SKS-style rifle. Allegedly leaving behind a note expressing his intention to assassinate the former president, Routh was apprehended after fleeing the scene when a Secret Service agent spotted the rifle barrel poking through a fence at the Trump International Golf Club and opened fire.
Initially charged only with gun-related offenses, Routh now faces additional charges filed by prosecutors, including the assassination charge. These charges also include illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, having a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possessing a firearm in furtherance of violence crime and assaulting a federal officer.
If convicted, Routh could face life imprisonment as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). However, authorities have not disclosed any motive behind his actions yet. A handwritten note allegedly left by Routh months before the incident suggests that he was angered over Trump’s dealings with Iran during his presidency.
Routh’s social media history reveals frequent posts supporting Ukraine during its conflict with Russia and criticizing Trump following previous assassination attempts against him. He also apparently self-published a book where he spoke about Iran being “free to assassinate Trump” due to their disagreement over dismantling the Iran nuclear deal.
The trial will take place at Fort Pierce Federal Courthouse in Florida and all motions related to this case must be filed before October 18th according to Judge Cannon’s order.
