Ryan Routh, accused of attempted assassination, seeks a new judge praised by Donald Trump
Ryan Routh, charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has requested a different federal judge for his trial in Florida. He raises concerns because the current judge was appointed and praised by Trump, who described her as “very highly respected” and “very smart.”
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is the same judge who dismissed charges against Trump involving the mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence after his presidency.
She ruled that the prosecution by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith was illegitimate, aligning with Trump’s argument. Smith has since appealed this ruling.
In a filing on Thursday, Routh’s attorneys pointed out that Trump specifically lauded Cannon during the Republican National Convention in July, calling her “a highly respected federal judge.” Trump has also stated on television that Cannon is “a very highly respected judge, very smart, and a very strong judge,” adding that he is “very proud” of his appointment of her.
“These extraordinary circumstances may lead the public to perceive a bias,” wrote Routh’s defenders, Kristy Militello and Renee Sihvola, in their filing.
At this time, Cannon has not decided on the motion.
Routh faces charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly hid at Trump International Golf Course while Trump was golfing, until a Secret Service agent intervened and pursued him. Soon after, local law enforcement apprehended Routh, who is charged federally with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, firearm possession during a violent crime, possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Routh has pleaded not guilty.