Turley says accused’s self-representation is ‘bizarre’ but may offer a slim chance at a hung jury.
In a Monday appearance on “Fox and Friends,” George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley offered a bleak assessment of the legal defense for Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. Turley suggested that Routh’s only viable, albeit risky, strategy to avoid a conviction might be to take the stand himself and try to connect with a juror.
Routh was thwarted by a Secret Service agent on September 15, 2024, near Trump International Golf Club. The accused, who has a history of social media criticism against Trump and numerous run-ins with law enforcement, is representing himself in his trial—a decision that Turley characterized as deeply flawed.
Turley addressed co-host Lawrence Jones’s concerns about the quality of Routh’s self-representation and the potential for a successful appeal. “No, I think the judge has done an excellent job trying to get him through this,” Turley said, adding that “you have a right to self-representation, but it doesn’t mean you have a right to good self-representation.”
The legal expert described Routh’s defense as “bizarre,” noting that it lacked substance. Routh has reportedly portrayed himself as a “peacekeeper” despite allegedly writing a note expressing his intent to kill the president. Federal prosecutors have released this letter, and Routh has also allegedly self-published a book urging Iran to assassinate Trump.
Turley explained the high stakes of Routh testifying. “That may be his only hope is to try to go on the stand and have a connection with one or two jurors,” he said.
However, he warned that such a move would open Routh up to a rigorous cross-examination from prosecutors, which Turley anticipates would be “painful” given the accused’s “delusional” state. “This guy is so tightly constructed and he’s so delusional that that cross-examination is going to be painful,” Turley concluded.
READ: Florida Judge Halts Would-Be Trump Assassin Ryan Routh’s Bizarre Opening Statement
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