Ryan Wesley Routh charges revealed: Trump assassination attempt suspect faces multiple felony counts after first court appearance
Ryan Wesley Routh, the gunman accused of trying to kill Donald Trump on Sunday, appeared in federal court for the first time with his hands and feet shackled.
The 58-year-old man walked in wearing a dark prison jumpsuit as he awaited charges from federal prosecutors in the alleged plot to assassinate the former president.
The hearing lasted eight minutes and Routh was indicted on two counts: possession of a firearm while a convicted felon; and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number.
He will appear in court in two weeks.
The Secret Service opened fire on Routh in West Palm Beach after seeing the barrel of his AK-47 stick through a fence at the Trump International Golf Club while the Republican candidate was playing a round of golf.
Ryan Wesley Routh, the gunman accused of trying to kill Donald Trump on Sunday, appeared in federal court Monday with his hands and feet in shackles
Routh faces a total of up to 20 years in prison for both charges, including a maximum of 15 years if he is convicted of possessing a firearm while a convicted felon, and five years for the second charge.
Routh has not appealed Monday’s charges, in part because he does not yet have permanent legal representation.
His bail hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23, and a probable cause hearing – or arraignment – is scheduled for Sept. 30.
Routh is unlikely to be able to plead guilty to Monday’s charges, in part because he does not yet have permanent legal representation.
The charges are the most preliminary and can be added during the trial and investigation.
The suspect was not charged Monday with making threats against a former president or presidential candidate, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years, which could be extended because he also allegedly carried an AR-15 rifle and attempted to kill the former president.
Routh’s criminal history includes a three-hour standoff with police in North Carolina in 2002 and possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Routh smiled and laughed as he arrived at the courthouse Monday
Routh was charged with two counts and is scheduled to appear in court in two weeks