Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in federal court in Fort Pierce, Florida, for Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Routh faces five federal charges and has indicated that he plans to represent himself, with court-appointed attorneys serving as standby counsel.
During a hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon confirmed that Routh would be required to wear professional business attire for the trial. She also explained courtroom procedures, noting that Routh would be allowed to use a podium while addressing the jury or questioning witnesses, but would not have unrestricted movement in the courtroom.
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“If you make any sudden movements, marshals will take decisive and quick action to respond,” Cannon said.
Jury selection is expected to last three days, with attorneys questioning three groups of 60 prospective jurors to select 12 jurors and four alternates. Opening statements are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, followed by the start of the prosecution’s case. The court has scheduled four weeks for the trial, though attorneys anticipate the proceedings may take less time.
The trial comes nearly a year after prosecutors said a U.S. Secret Service agent prevented Routh from shooting Trump while he was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida. Routh, 59, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearms violations.
In addition to the federal case, Routh faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder, to which he has also pleaded not guilty.
