Trial preparations encounter difficulties in the court case involving the individual accused of attempting to assassinate Trump during a golf game.
In Fort Pierce, Florida, the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to kill former President Donald Trump, is underway. Routh, who is representing himself in court despite having limited legal experience, entered the federal courthouse on Monday morning for jury selection.
Routh faces five criminal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm as a felon, and using a gun with a defaced serial number. These charges risk sending Routh to prison for life.
The jury selection process is expected to last for three days, followed by a month-long trial. Attorneys will question three sets of 60 people to settle on twelve jurors and four alternates.
Routh's defense strategy centers on his character to prove he lacked the intent to kill Trump. He has proposed unconventional tactics in court, such as questioning Trump, requesting "female strippers", and asking for a putting green for a golf match with Trump. However, Judge Cannon has curtailed some of Routh's potential arguments.
Routh's witness list includes a group of Palestinian activists and professors, his own son, a former girlfriend, and Trump himself. It is worth noting that Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing the case, was appointed to the U.S. District Court by Donald Trump.
Prosecutors allege that Routh acquired a military-grade rifle, purchased more than a dozen burner phones, and researched Trump's movements and campaign events. According to court filings, Routh dropped off a box with a friend that included a note detailing his plans.
To secure a conviction, prosecutors will need to prove that not only did Routh intend to kill Trump, but that he also took at least one "substantial step" to carry out his plan. In addition to ammunition and the weapon allegedly used by Routh, prosecutors plan to use Routh's own words against him during the trial. Routh has expressed similar sentiments about Trump in handwritten letters from prison.
Routh has been allowed to wear business attire during the trial and use a podium, but not roam the courtroom freely. He has spoken confidently in court and defended his proposed questions, but Judge Cannon has had little patience for some of his behavior.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is expected to provide insight into the events leading up to the alleged assassination attempt and the legal strategies employed by both sides.
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