The trial of the man accused of trying to assassinate United States President Donald Trump got off to a contentious start yesterday as a federal judge cut off a meandering opening statement from defendant Ryan Routh, who is representing himself.
Florida-based Judge Aileen Cannon stopped Routh’s presentation to a jury after only a few minutes after Routh delved into topics including the origin of the human species, the settlement of the American West and international conflicts.
"This case means absolutely nothing," Routh said, prompting Judge Cannon to send the jury out of the courtroom.
Routh told the judge he wanted to speak about non-violence.
Judge Cannon had earlier warned Routh that she had limited patience for an argument that would "make a mockery of the dignity of the courtroom".
Routh, 59, has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Prosecutors allege Routh hid with a rifle near the sixth hole green at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, intending to kill Trump as he golfed on September 15, 2024.
"Last year, the defendant Ryan Routh wanted to make sure that the people of this country could not elect Donald Trump as president of the United States," prosecutor John Shipley said during his opening statement.
"So the defendant decided to take the choice away from American voters."
