Ryan Routh’s erratic cross-examination of witnesses prompts swift intervention from Judge Aileen Cannon on first day of trial.
In a courtroom drama marked by bizarre and congratulatory exchanges, alleged presidential assassin Ryan Routh represented himself on Thursday, facing a judge who kept him on a short leash.
Judge Aileen Cannon, presiding over the trial for the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, repeatedly intervened as Routh delivered a meandering opening statement and cross-examined witnesses with confusing and often irrelevant questions.
Federal prosecutor John Shipley laid out a meticulous case against Routh, describing a “carefully crafted and deadly serious plot” that allegedly involved multiple aliases, stolen license plates, and a cache of ten phones. Shipley told the jury that Routh’s goal was to prevent President Trump’s re-election.
READ: Florida Judge Halts Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh’s Bizarre Opening Statement
The trial began just one day after the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk and nearly a year after the attempted attack on then-presidential candidate Trump at his Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. This incident followed an earlier assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, that wounded Trump and killed a bystander.
During his opening statement, Routh’s commentary quickly devolved into “confusing ramblings” about international affairs and the history of humanity, prompting Judge Cannon to cut him off after only a few minutes, warning him against making a “mockery” of the court.
Five witnesses, including Secret Service agents and an FBI agent, testified on the first day. Routh’s self-representation led to a series of surreal cross-examinations.
He offered praise to the witnesses who helped apprehend him, calling mental health counselor Tommy McGee, who followed Routh and recorded his license plate, a “hero” and a “good man.” “I celebrate you…the only one to stop out of 50-60 cars,” Routh told McGee.
READ: “We Have Him!” Trump Says Suspect In Charlie Kirk Assassination Is In Custody
He also expressed admiration for Secret Service agent Jason Harris, who testified about securing the crime scene, asking him, “Right on, awesome,” after hearing Harris had scaled a six-foot fence.
Agent Robert Fercano, who first encountered Routh hiding in the bushes with a gun pointed at his face, was also cross-examined by Routh. Routh’s first question to him was, “Is it good to be alive?”
Judge Cannon concluded the day early, noting that Routh’s cross-examinations were “shorter than anticipated” and asking if that pattern would continue. Routh responded simply, “I’m very simple-minded, yes.”
Routh faces five charges for his alleged attempt on the President’s life. Testimony is scheduled to resume on Friday.
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