Suspect in Trump assassination bid seeks judge's recusal in Florida

In September 2024, a man named Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump while the former president was golfing at his Florida club. Routh was found behind a chain-linked fence with a rifle, reportedly waiting for a clear shot at Trump. Following the incident, Routh was indicted on five counts, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, and he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is set to take place at the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida. Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously presided over a classified documents case involving Trump, has been assigned to oversee Routh's case. Routh's defense attorneys filed a motion requesting that Cannon recuse herself, citing her past rulings and Trump's potential influence over her future judicial appointments. They argued that Trump's public praise of Cannon could create an appearance of partiality, which they believe necessitates her withdrawal from the case. The defense's concerns stem from the unique circumstances surrounding the case, including the fact that Trump is the alleged victim. They highlighted that if Trump were to win the presidential election, he could nominate Cannon to a higher court, raising questions about her impartiality. The defense emphasized that these unprecedented factors could lead the public to perceive a conflict of interest. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case extend beyond Routh's charges, potentially affecting the political landscape and judicial integrity, especially given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.