The man suspected of trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump laughed and smiled during his first court appearance on Monday morning.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, allegedly attempted to kill Trump with an AK-47-style rifle with a scope. He reportedly hid in bushes at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach and was about 400 yards away from Trump when Secret Service spotted the rifle and opened fire.
Cameras were not allowed inside the courthouse, but Fox News confirmed Monday that Routh repeatedly smiled and laughed during a conversation with his court-appointed lawyer before the hearing started.
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Another reporter permitted into the courthouse, Brooke Chau, posted, “Routh had slicked back dirty blonde hair, a stoic look, he stared at reporters and was handcuffed wearing a navy blue jumpsuit.”
Routh had slicked back dirty blonde hair, a stoic look, he stared at reporters and was handcuffed wearing a navy blue jumpsuit. @WPTV https://t.co/ZixhoQmTWT
— Brooke Chau (@BrookeChauWPTV) September 16, 2024
During his appearance, Routh said he makes about $3,000 a month but has no savings or assets aside from two trucks he has back in Hawaii. The suspect also said he sometimes supports his son.
The hearing before Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe only lasted eight minutes.
Routh, who is reportedly a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, was charged with two counts: possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, CNN correspondent Dianne Gallagher reported.
The first charge carries up to 15 years of prison time, with a possible five-year sentence for the second charge, ABC 11 notes.
Trump on Sunday responded to the attack — which marked the second attempt on his life in just nine weeks.
“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!,” Trump said. “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again.”
Routh has a bond hearing set for September 23. The suspect will be formally arraigned at the end of the month.
Related: Son Of Would-Be Assassin Bashes Trump, Suggests Dad Was Trying To Be A ‘Martyr’
