The suspect in the second assassination attempt on former President Trump laughed and smiled before his first court appearance in Florida on Monday, FOX News confirmed.
Ryan Wesley Routh, wearing jail garb and shackled in handcuffs and leg irons, entered the courtroom and smiled and laughed about three to four times as he spoke with his public defender before the hearing began, FOX News noted. No cameras were allowed at the federal court hearing, which involved charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Routh appeared fully engaged and answered all of the judge’s questions during the roughly 10-minute hearing Monday. He will be formally arraigned on Sept. 30.
FOX has been told additional federal charges are possible. The initial charges announced Monday keep Routh in custody.
Witness saw Trump assassination suspect flee from bushes, took photo of getaway car
On Monday, the judge read the sentences for each of the charges. The first offense carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release. The second offense carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release. Routh answered “yes” when asked if he understood the sentences.
Ryan Routh is accused of aiming an AK-47 at former President Trump on Sunday as he played golf at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Obtained from Fox News Digital)
The judge also asked Routh if he could afford his own defense attorney or if he needed a public defender. Routh said he did not have enough income, and when asked by the judge, he replied that he made about $3,000 a month, had no savings and owned no real estate. Routh also told the court he owned two trucks in Hawaii worth about $1,000 each, partially supported his 25-year-old son and owned no jewelry.
US Attorney Adam McMichael called for Routh to remain in custody, citing the risk of him fleeing trial and an attempt to obstruct the trial.
The prosecution had requested that the pre-trial detention be held for three days, but the defense requested five days for better preparation, which the judge granted.
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The detention hearing is scheduled for September 23, and the hearing to determine sufficient suspicion is scheduled for September 30.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for updates. FOX News’ Shona Holagh and Heather Lacy contributed to this report.
