Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared in federal court on Monday following his arrest in connection with an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf course.
According to the Miami Herald, Routh was taken into custody after the incident on Sunday and made his first appearance before Judge Ryon M. McCabe at the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.
Routh, described as slender with dyed-blonde hair, appeared in court wearing a beige inmate uniform and restraints on his wrists and ankles. He is expected to face charges through an FBI criminal complaint and affidavit detailing his alleged assassination attempt.
During the hearing, questions about his legal representation were raised, with the possibility that a federal public defender could be appointed if Routh cannot afford an attorney.
He did not enter a plea on Monday, as arraignment in federal court requires an indictment, which is pending before a grand jury. Routh could be charged with making threats against a former president, a federal offense carrying up to five years in prison.
Additional charges may be added, as he was allegedly armed with an AK-47-style weapon during the incident. Routh’s criminal history could further complicate his case, particularly if he is found to be a felon in possession of a firearm.
