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Palm Beach County, FL - A Florida man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump last year has been allowed to represent himself in court, following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon.
The judge approved Ryan Routh's request to waive legal representation during his trial, though court-appointed attorneys will remain as standby counsel.
Routh, 59, is scheduled for trial on September 8th, facing charges including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearm violations.
Prosecutors allege that Routh plotted for weeks before aiming a rifle at Trump during a golf game at his West Palm Beach country club on September 15, 2024.
A Secret Service agent, spotting Routh before Trump, allegedly opened fire on him, causing Routh to flee without firing his weapon.
Routh’s defense team had filed a motion earlier this week to withdraw from the case, citing a complete breakdown in communication.
They claimed Routh refused multiple attempts to meet, including six failed meetings at the federal detention center in Miami.
In a letter to Judge Cannon, Routh expressed frustration with his attorneys, stating that they were "a million miles apart" in their approach.
Along with federal charges, Routh faces state-level accusations of terrorism and attempted murder.
Despite the tensions with his legal counsel, Judge Cannon confirmed the trial would proceed as scheduled, with Routh asserting that he was prepared to go to trial without legal representation.