‘This case means absolutely nothing’: Suspect in Trump assassination attempt tells jury as trial begins

Routh was warned by US District Judge Aileen Cannon to stay on topic. (Photo: AP)

Routh was warned by US District Judge Aileen Cannon to stay on topic. She also asked jurors twice to leave the courtroom so she could deal with the unconventional turn Routh’s opening statement took.
In the first instance, Routh told the jury, “This case means absolutely nothing.” Routh then told Judge Cannon that he wanted to speak about non-violence.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.

Tried to get involved in world conflicts

Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. He lived an erratic life, and had advocated for democracy in Taiwan and Ukraine.
A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous, sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world. In the early days of the war in Ukraine, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians.

Ryan Routh is representing himself in the case. (Photo: Reuters)

Trump assassination attempt

In July, he told Cannon he did not trust a “random stranger” to speak for him and would defend himself.
According to the prosecution, Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.

A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.