Judge Denies Access to Classified Information

A federal judge has ruled that Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, will not be allowed to access classified information related to his case. Judge Aileen Cannon stated in her ruling that the United States had sufficiently demonstrated the classified nature of the information, which, if disclosed, could cause significant harm to national security. The decision was made following a motion by federal prosecutors who invoked the Classified Information Procedures Act and its privileges.

Routh’s Legal Representation and Charges

Ryan Routh, 59, has been granted permission to represent himself in his upcoming trial. Despite Judge Cannon’s advice against self-representation, Routh chose to proceed without court-appointed attorneys. He faces charges of attempted assassination of Trump, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms violations from an incident on September 15, 2024, in Florida. This incident marks the second assassination attempt against Trump within a few months. Routh has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

Unusual Requests and Statements by Routh

In a surprising move, Routh penned a letter to Judge Cannon questioning why the death penalty was not considered in his case. He expressed a desire for a prisoner swap with U.S. adversaries, suggesting he be exchanged for a Ukrainian soldier or sent to Siberia. Routh’s letter reflects his willingness to accept severe consequences, even sarcastically proposing that his exchange could serve as a diplomatic victory for Trump.

Judge Cannon’s Previous Involvement with Trump Cases

Judge Cannon is known for her involvement in Trump’s classified documents case, which she dismissed in July 2024. This case involved an FBI investigation into Trump’s handling of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022. The current case against Routh adds another layer of complexity to her judicial responsibilities concerning matters related to Trump.