Ryan Routh, who was charged with trying to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in September, was sentenced Wednesday after his lawyers moved to delay the start of his trial in February. He will appear at a hearing in federal court in the morning.
Federal Judge Eileen Cannon, who previously presided over and ultimately dismissed President Trump's federal secrets lawsuit, will preside over the hearing in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Lawyers from both sides were expected to discuss the timeline and details of pending discovery materials, as well as other issues related to pretrial motions and trial preparation.
Mr. Routh reportedly waited in the bushes with a rifle for more than 12 hours on September 15th, while Mr. Trump was golfing, surrounding the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. It is said that he was A Secret Service agent saw Mr. Routh pointing a rifle through the fence and fired at him. Routh fled and was arrested the same day.
Who is Ryan Wesley Routh: Trump Golf Club Shooting Suspect?
Ryan Routh is accused of ambushing Trump with a rifle on September 15 while he was playing golf at a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
The suspect, who is believed to be a would-be assassin, has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal employee. His trial is currently scheduled for February 10, 2025.
Ryan Routh, the suspect in the assassination attempt on President Trump, was captured on body camera footage being taken into custody on September 15th. (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
Lawyers for Routh have already filed a motion for a continuance, asking that the trial be postponed until December 2025, citing a “vast amount” of discovery that is still being investigated.
Trump assassination attempt hearing devolves into shouting match
“Proceeding to trial on charges punishable by life in prison, either at his scheduled trial or immediately thereafter, would amount to a miscarriage of justice,” defense attorneys said in a filing.
A courtroom sketch depicts Ryan Routh appearing in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 23. (Lotor Speer)
Click to get the FOX News app
Prosecutors say they will prepare for the trial in February, but while they are not opposed to a “reasonable” delay, they said continuing the case until December 2025 would not be “reasonable.”
FOX News' Heather Lacy contributed to this report.
