FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Ryan Routh, who faces charges for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, has filed a motion to have some charges dropped. The alleged incident occurred at Trump’s West Palm Beach club, where Routh was apprehended by a Secret Service agent in September.
Routh, who has entered a plea of not guilty, appeared in federal court on Wednesday. His legal team argued that two of the charges infringe upon his Second Amendment rights. The charges in question relate to Routh’s illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Defense attorney Sonia Fahrezi argued before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, asserting that recent legal precedents extend Second Amendment protections beyond law-abiding citizens. Despite Routh’s prior felony convictions, which include possession of dynamite, Fahrezi contends that these past convictions should not negate his constitutional right to bear arms. She further argued that the absence of a serial number does not exclude a firearm from Second Amendment considerations.
In response, Justice Department prosecutor John Shipley maintained that current laws prohibiting felons from possessing firearms remain intact, emphasizing that a firearm without a serial number serves no legitimate purpose. Judge Cannon, appointed by President Trump, who previously dismissed charges against Trump related to classified documents, is overseeing the case. Besides the firearm-related charges, Routh faces additional charges, including an attempt on a presidential candidate.
Routh has been detained since his arrest. The Secret Service claims a gun barrel was seen emerging from the tree line near where Trump was golfing, leading to an exchange of fire. Routh allegedly fled and was subsequently arrested on Interstate-95.
The defense has requested to suppress the testimony of a witness, identified as TCM, who reportedly saw Routh fleeing the scene. Sihvola, representing Routh, argued the identification process was suggestive as TCM was flown by helicopter to the arrest scene and presented with Routh as the sole suspect.
Prosecutor Christopher Browne countered, describing TCM as a vigilant citizen who observed gunfire and turned around to confirm the suspect’s identity. He asserted there was no risk of misidentification.
Additionally, the prosecution sought to limit arguments regarding Routh’s mental or physical capacity to threaten the president. The defense plans to introduce expert testimony on the functionality of the SKS-style rifle found at the scene, which was unfired and had a makeshift scope attachment. While the judge permitted a live-fire test of the weapon, limitations were placed on assessing its range and accuracy. Routh’s trial is scheduled for September.
