AFPTV/AFP via Getty ImagesA man accused of murdering U.S. President Donald Trump will be tried in Florida this week.
The incident happened weeks after a bullet passed Trump’s ears in another assassination attempt by Pennsylvania – further highlighting the issue of political violence in the months leading up to the 2024 election.
Both events prompted a rigorous scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service and its ability to protect high-profile presidential candidates such as Trump.
At the heart of the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh will represent himself as a possible suspect in an unorthodox trial. He pleaded not guilty.
Mr. Ruth, 59, is a native of North Carolina but lives in Hawaii before being suspected of assassination attempt. He has a previous criminal history and has been a voice supporter of Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia.
This is what you need to know.
What allegedly Rolls did?
The incident happened on September 15, 2024, and Trump is running for re-snatching the White House.
He played golf at a club in West Palm Beach, Florida when a U.S. Secret Service agent found a man’s face in a bush outside the property, according to court documents. The man was later identified as Mr. Rous.
Federal prosecutors said Mr. Rous fired a shot at the agent and was seen among witnesses passing through the black Nissan Xterra on the street. Local law enforcement later arrested him on Interstate 95.
Trump was playing golf at the time, but had no contact with Mr. Rolls.
FBI agents found an SKS semi-automatic rifle in the hidden area of Routh, with an oscilloscope and extended magazine.
They also found documents that appear or are expected to appear on Trump’s list of events in the coming months. According to law enforcement, another witness said Mr. Rous had left a box at home a few months ago, including a book, partly an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I’m sorry, I let you down. ”
What allegations does he face?
The government accused Mr. Rous of attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in order to promote violent crimes, assaulting a federal officer, a felony of possessing firearms and ammunition, and possessing a firearm with a static number.
Mr Ruth pleaded not guilty to the charge last year. He was sentenced to jail in Florida while awaiting trial.
When is the trial?
Mr. Rouse’s trial began Monday, September 8 in a federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida. The lawsuit will begin with the jury selection before an open statement is made.
The trial will be held in the same federal court, and Trump himself faces charges for allegedly retaining confidential documents during his first term in the White House. The case ended after Trump was re-elected.
Judge Aileen Cannon, who is in charge of Trump’s case and ultimately dismissed, will also preside over Mr. Ruth’s trial. Trump appointed Judge Cannon as a federal judge during his first term.
Why did Rolls defend himself?
Mr. Ruth made an unusual decision Participate in the trial on your behalf.
In a letter to the court, he said, “It is ridiculous to think of a random stranger from the beginning and know nothing about the person I speak.”
He also said he and his attorney were “a million miles apart” and they did not answer his questions.
Judge Cannon will allow Rous to represent himself, but told him: “I strongly urge you not to make this decision.”
She suggested having a lawyer would be “much better” and ordered court-appointed legal counsel to stay on standby.
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