Ryan Routh is accused of aiming an AK-47 at former President Trump while he was golfing at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)The suspect in the second assassination attempt on former President Trump laughed and smiled before his first court appearance in Florida on Monday.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, entered the courtroom wearing jail scrubs and shackles on his wrists and ankles, smiling and laughing several times while speaking with his court-appointed attorney prior to the start of the hearing, as reported by Fox News.
The federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the hearing took place, did not allow cameras. Routh faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
During the roughly 10-minute hearing, Routh appeared attentive and answered all of the judge's questions. He is set to be formally arraigned on September 30.
Sources indicate that additional federal charges may be forthcoming, and the current charges will ensure Routh remains in custody.
WITNESS SAW TRUMP ASSASSINATION SUSPECT EMERGE FROM BUSHES AND CAPTURED IMAGE OF ESCAPE VEHICLE.
On Monday, the judge outlined the potential penalties associated with each charge. The first offense carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine and supervised release. The second offense has a maximum sentence of five years in prison, also with a $250,000 fine and supervised release. Routh affirmed his understanding of the penalties by responding "yes" when asked.
The judge inquired whether Routh could afford his own defense attorney or if he would need a public defender. Routh indicated that his income was insufficient, stating he earns about $3,000 a month, has no savings, and does not own any real estate. Additionally, Routh informed the court that he has two trucks in Hawaii valued at approximately $1,000 each, partially supports his 25-year-old son, and possesses no jewelry.
U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael requested that Routh be held in custody, asserting that he poses a pre-trial flight risk and referencing an alleged attempt to obstruct the process.
The prosecution sought to hold a detention hearing in three days; however, the defense requested five days for adequate preparation, which the judge approved.
The Trump International Golf Club on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo) DEM REP CALLS FOR SECRET SERVICE TO EXTEND TRUMP’S PROTECTIVE PERIMETER: 'UNACCEPTABLE'
The detention hearing is scheduled for September 23, while the probable cause hearing is set for September 30.
Routh was arrested on Sunday afternoon after authorities discovered a rifle barrel protruding from the shrubbery on the West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing.
Secret Service agents stationed a few holes away noticed the muzzle of what appeared to be an AK-style rifle sticking out of the bushes, approximately 400 yards from Trump’s location.
An FBI officer stands outside Trump International Golf Club following the apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump on Monday, September 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo)
While authorities initially identified the weapon as an AK-style rifle, court documents obtained by Fox News later indicated that agents recovered an SKS-style rifle from the area where Routh had fled.
In the affidavit linked to the criminal complaint, an FBI agent noted that, based on his training and expertise, the type of rifle in question is not manufactured in Florida. This suggests probable cause to believe that the SKS-style rifle recovered from the tree line at Trump International Golf Course had previously crossed state or international borders. According to the document, the rifle's serial number was "obliterated" and not visible to the naked eye.
After an agent discharged a weapon, Routh dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV, abandoning the firearm along with two backpacks, a aiming scope, and a GoPro camera, authorities reported.
Authorities report that a witness observed Routh emerging from the bushes and quickly getting into a car, capturing a photo of the incident. He was subsequently stopped by law enforcement in a nearby county.
This was the second apparent assassination attempt on Trump in two months. On July 13, a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment