January 1, Trump Assassination Attempt Trial Shakes Florida

Wyatt’s Take

• Ryan Routh goes to trial for allegedly trying to take out Trump during a golf game.
• Judge allows him to act as his own lawyer, despite warnings.
• Security caught Routh before anyone got hurt, but the court isn’t taking any chances.

Federal trial proceedings begin this week for Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump last September in Florida. Jury selection is set to last three days, with the trial expected to wrap up in less than a month.

Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh representing himself. Though the court warned him about the risks, he refused legal help except for standby attorneys. Routh, who has only some college under his belt, insists he knows what he’s doing.

“If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond,” Cannon told Routh.

Routh is 59 and has a rap sheet of violence and weapons charges. He’s described as a self-styled mercenary leader. His past includes arrests for illegal weapons and stolen property, and he’s tried to recruit fighters for global conflicts.

He faces five federal felonies like attempted assassination and assault on a federal officer, plus state charges for terrorism and attempted murder. Judge Cannon, who’s handled other Trump-linked cases, is running the trial. The attempt happened just weeks after another try on Trump’s life in Pennsylvania.

When the alleged attack happened, Trump was playing golf and was not hurt. Secret Service agents saw Routh’s rifle, responded quickly, and arrested him after a chase.

The eyes of America are on this trial, and folks are watching to see what justice looks like when it comes to threats against a former president.

Stay alert for more updates as this trial unfolds.

Wyatt Matters

This case shows how important security and the rule of law remain for our communities. Keeping leaders safe and making sure justice is done reflect the values that matter most in the heartland.

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