The man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump last year, Ryan Routh, stunned a federal courtroom on Thursday by declaring he wants to fire his public defenders and represent himself at trial.
"I will represent myself," Routh, 59, told U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, according to the Associated Press.
"Do you understand that self-representation is almost always a bad idea?" Judge Cannon asked.
"Yes, your honor," Routh said. He relayed his educational background — a GED certificate and two years of college — and when asked if he understood federal criminal court procedure, said, "I have a book."
Routh is accused of attempting to shoot Trump at Trump International Golf Club in September 2024. Prosecutors say Routh, a convicted felon, illegally obtained an SKS rifle with help from two accomplices: his former employee Tina Cooper and her boss Ronnie Oxendine.
Cooper pleaded guilty this week to conspiring to help Routh buy the gun, while Oxendine admitted last month to possessing an unregistered firearm after allegedly selling the weapon to Routh for $350. Prosecutors allege Routh planned to remove the serial number so it couldn't be traced.
If convicted, Routh faces significant prison time for the attempted assassination, as well as up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and another 5 years for having a weapon without a serial number.
Judge Cannon must now decide whether Routh is competent to waive his right to legal representation and proceed to his upcoming September trial on his own.
