A federal judge postponed the trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, to September, nearly a year after the chaotic attempt on the president-elect’s life.
The delay comes as defense counsel and prosecutors navigate the complexities of additional charges and jurisdictional disputes between state and federal authorities. Routh’s public defender asked for the Feb. 10 trial to be delayed until December, but U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon landed on Sept. 8 for the forthcoming jury trial, according to an order Tuesday evening
Cannon ruled against Routh’s claims that prosecutors “delayed discovery or failed to comply” with its obligations since Routh was arraigned in September and charged with attempting to assassinate the president-elect, who had just survived a separate assassination attempt on July 13.
The deadline for Routh to provide notice “of an insanity defense” or “note of expert evidence of a mental condition” is Feb. 3.
On Sept. 15, Routh allegedly attempted to ambush Trump at his golf club in south Florida, hiding in the shrubs on the property with a semiautomatic rifle. Secret Service agents thwarted the attack, and Routh fled before being apprehended. While no shots were fired, the case escalated due to a new felony attempted murder charge related to his flight from law enforcement.
Routh’s trial delay allows his counsel to address the new charges and prepare for what promises to be a high-profile case. It likewise gives time for Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, to prepare for how the incoming Justice Department will handle the case in contrast to the Biden administration’s DOJ.