The suspect in the second assassination attempt on former President Trump was seen laughing and smiling before his first court appearance in Florida on Monday, Fox News has confirmed.
Ryan Wesley Routh entered the courtroom wearing a jail lab coat and handcuffs around his wrists and ankles, smiling and laughing three or four times as he spoke with his court-appointed attorney before the hearing began, Fox News reported. Cameras were not allowed at the federal court hearing on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Routh was completely focused and answered all of the judge's questions during the roughly 10-minute hearing on Monday. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned on September 30.
FOX has been told additional charges may be filed by federal authorities, but the initial charges announced Monday mean Routh will remain in custody.
Witnesses saw Trump assassin suspect fleeing bushes, took photos of getaway car
On Monday, the judge read out the penalties for each charge: The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised probation. The second charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised probation. When asked if he understood the penalties, Routh replied, “Yes.”
Ryan Routh is accused of pointing an AK-47 at former President Trump while he was playing golf at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday. (Source: Fox News Digital)
The judge also asked Routh if he could afford his own lawyer or if he needed a public defender. Routh said he did not have enough income, and when asked by the judge, he said he made about $3,000 a month, had no savings and owned no real estate. He also told the court he owns two trucks in Hawaii worth $1,000 each, partially supports his 25-year-old son, and owns no jewelry.
U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael asked that Routh remain in custody, citing pretrial flight risks and obstructionism.
Prosecutors asked for a detention hearing to be held within three days, but the defense sought and the judge granted an extension of five days to allow for preparation.
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A detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23, and an indictment hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. FOX News' Shona Holagh and Heather Lacy contributed to this report.
