Sept. 22 (UPI) — Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on his Florida golf course last year will present his case starting Monday in court.
Routh, 59, is representing himself in his trial and has no legal expertise. Last week, Judge Eileen Cannon admonished Routh for veering off topic in his opening statements.
He said he plans to call three witnesses on Monday; a gun expert and two character witnesses. His defense is expected to take about half of a day, and closing arguments are set to begin Tuesday.
Routh has described his strategy as emphasizing his “gentleness, peacefulness, and nonviolent caring for humanity,” according to court filings, ABC News reported. Among the exhibits Routh plans to use are a design for a DIY skate park, videos and photos showing him recruiting and fundraising for the Ukrainian military, a photo of a flash mob he organized, and a church bulletin from 1980 when he was awarded an Eagle Scout award.
During his opening statement, Routh said “Modern trials seem to eliminate all that is human.”
Cannon removed the jury, then chided Routh, directing him to keep his comments relevant to the case. Routh apologized but continued on a tangent, discussing the “history” of human existence.
Cannon then told Routh his opening remarks were over.
In court, Secret Service agent Robert Fercano identified Routh as the man hiding behind a shrub-covered fence near the sixth hole of the golf course, aiming an AK-style assault weapon at Trump. Fercano was the first government witness to take the stand in the trial.
Routh was found with a handwritten note stating his intention to assassinate Trump. Eyewitness accounts, cellphone data and security footage prove the case against Routh beyond a reasonable doubt, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley said.
Fercano said he noticed the muzzle of a gun protruding from the shrubbery and called out to Routh, then called for backup.
Fercano presented a Russian-designed SKS semi-automatic weapon that officials believe Routh obtained illegally and used in the assassination attempt.
Routh argued that he had a right to peacefully protest at the golf course.
“This is as far (from) peaceful assembly as you can imagine,” Shipley responded. “Peaceful protest is one thing. An assassination attempt is another.”