Trump Assassination Plot Suspect’s Case to Be Overseen by Judge Aileen Cannon

The federal charges against Ryan Routh, the man accused of plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago country club, will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a familiar face in high-profile cases involving Trump, according to a report by CNN.

Prosecutors revealed that Routh had been stalking the former president in Florida for over a month, meticulously planning his attack. Evidence presented by the prosecution, including cell phone data, showed that Routh had been at both Trump’s golf course and Mar-a-Lago on multiple days starting from August 18. On the day of his arrest, Routh was reportedly hiding in the bushes near Mar-a-Lago, armed with a high-powered rifle, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

While Routh appears to have opposing political views compared to Trump, his former social media accounts suggest he voted for Trump in the 2016 election. The reasons behind his alleged assassination attempt remain unclear.

A Controversial Judge Takes the Helm

Judge Aileen Cannon, a far-right judge who was appointed by Trump during his presidency, will be overseeing Routh’s case. Cannon is best known for her involvement in another high-profile legal matter involving Trump—the federal case concerning classified documents brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Cannon’s handling of the classified documents case drew widespread attention and criticism. After months of procedural delays and frequent clashes with prosecutors, Cannon ultimately dismissed the case against Trump. Her ruling was based on a legal theory advanced by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, which argued that Smith, as special counsel, was not legally empowered to bring charges because he was not confirmed by the Senate.

This theory has not been upheld by any other court and is currently being appealed by Smith to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Cannon’s role in Routh’s trial is likely to attract similar scrutiny, given her controversial reputation and her history of rulings favorable to Trump.

Another Assassination Attempt

Routh’s case comes just two months after another failed assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In that incident, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire from the roof of a nearby warehouse, aiming at Trump and the crowd. Crooks’ gunfire caused a mild injury to Trump’s ear and struck several members of the audience before Secret Service counter-snipers neutralized the assailant.

Crooks was killed in the exchange, but his actions heightened concerns over the increasing number of threats against Trump’s life. The back-to-back assassination attempts have raised alarm bells in both law enforcement and political circles, prompting heightened security measures around Trump, particularly as he remains an influential figure in the political landscape.

High-Stakes Trial Ahead

With Cannon at the helm, the trial of Ryan Routh will be closely watched, not only for the severity of the charges but also for how the case unfolds under a judge known for her pro-Trump rulings. Given her controversial track record, legal experts and the public alike will be scrutinizing Cannon’s handling of the proceedings to ensure that justice is fairly served.

As the trial moves forward, the case highlights the broader issues of political violence in the U.S. and the escalating threats against prominent public figures, particularly those as polarizing as former President Trump.