Ryan Routh’s Attorney Seeks to Test Firearm Involved in Alleged Assassination Attempt Against Trump

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The attempted assassination suspect appeared to forgo an insanity defense for the upcoming trial in September.

FORT PIERCE, Fla.—The defense team for Ryan Routh, who is suspected of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the 2024 election, said during a hearing on March 7 that it would like to test fire the gun that was found at Routh’s location near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.

Defense attorney Kristy Militello told U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that the test could help determine whether the gun was operable and could fire at the distance Routh was from Trump at the golf course last year.

The Department of Justice objected to the test, which would involve a defense expert firing the gun after an independent agent transferred it from the government’s custody.

John Shipley Jr., an attorney with DOJ, called such a test “utterly unprecedented” and that it would be both “irregular” and “unsafe.”

He added that there was no factual basis for it.

An affidavit from FBI Special Agent Mark Thomas stated that Routh was seen fleeing an area where a Secret Service agent saw what appeared to be a rifle poking out of the tree line.

In that area of the tree line, agents found multiple items, including an SKS-style, 7.62×39 caliber rifle with a scope and obliterated serial number.

The March 7 hearing came amid a months-long pre-trial process that was extended by Cannon after a request from the defense. The trial is now set to start in September of 2025 rather than a previously scheduled date in February.

At a hearing in December, Militello seemed to indicate Routh might raise an insanity defense. She said witnesses had described Routh as hallucinating and delusional, and that it could take months to interview experts to evaluate his mental health.

In court on March 7, Militello acknowledged that the defense hadn’t filed something on an insanity defense by the deadline imposed by the court.

DOJ noted this in a March 3 status report, stating that issues related to insanity were “off the table for trial.”

It also stated that the government allowed the defense to inspect the firearm and planned to produce additional discovery materials.

By Jacob Burg and Sam Dorman

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Pam Bondi, Zohran Mamdani, and the ADL: Censorious Peas in a Pod

Typically, the only four circumstances under which the leadership...

Shut it Down – Shut it Down

Shut down and dismantle every federal agency not essential to citizens' life, health, or liberty — phase them out and end their power. permanently!

Conservatism’s Diverse Meanings

Conservatives in America often seem united, but major differences exist, creating the false impression that "conservative" means the same to everyone..

Illegal Alien Iowa School Superintendent Exposed

There is an interesting story developing in Iowa, the...

Was Scandinavia’s Russian Drone Scare A False Flag To Crack Down On Russia’s Shadow Fleet?

Insight strongly suggests that Scandinavia’s Russian drone scare was indeed a false flag to justify cracking down on Russia’s “shadow fleet”,

Trump Weighs on Cutting Agencies as Government Shutdown Enters Day 2

Trump to meet with OMB Dir. Vought to decide which agencies face cuts and whether reductions will be temporary or permanent.

Pam Bondi, Zohran Mamdani, and the ADL: Censorious Peas in a Pod

Typically, the only four circumstances under which the leadership...

Impact of Government Shutdown on Social Security: What to Know

SSA made it clear that retirement, survivor, and disability benefits are not subject to annual budget fights and will continue to be paid on time.

No Change to Immigration, Border Policy During Government Shutdown: ICE

ICE officials said that border and immigration enforcement will not be affected by the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.

White House Withdraws EJ Antoni’s Nomination to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics

The White House has withdrawn economist EJ Antoni’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the White House confirmed on Sept. 30.

US to Impose 100 Percent Tariffs on Foreign-Made Movies, Trump Says

President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 29 that he will impose a 100 percent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States.

Trump to Host Netanyahu at White House to Discuss Gaza Peace Plan

President Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on Sept. 29 to discuss a ceasefire and broader peace plan for Gaza.

Trump Announces New Tariffs on Heavy Trucks, Drugs, Kitchen Cabinets, Other Products

President Trump will impose new tariffs next month on heavy trucks, branded drugs, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products.
spot_img

Related Articles