WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Prosecutors and defense attorneys return to a federal courtroom Wednesday to settle their disputes over evidence that will be allowed in the trial of the man accused of trying to kill President Donald Trump.
In a motions hearing, the two sides will detail the issues they have agreed upon and plan to present their arguments for what should be allowed to be presented when Ryan Routh’s trial begins in September.
Routh is accused of plotting to kill then-Republican nominee Donald Trump by waiting in the bushes outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach with a rifle. After being spotted by Secret Service, Routh allegedly fled from the scene and headed north, where he was captured in Martin County.
See Also: A closer look at alleged gunman’s 12-hour hiding spot waiting for Trump
At Issue
A filing ahead of Wednesday’s hearing listed some points where prosecutors and defense attorneys found common ground. However, some issues remain outstanding, and they will make their case before Judge Aileen Cannon, who will decide on whether lawyers will either be allowed to present the evidence or if they will be barred from bringing it up.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defense agreed not to claim that Routh did not have the mens rea, or state of mind, to commit the crime. However, the sides clashed when it came to presenting evidence from prosecutors on Routh’s demeanor or behavior.
Another point of contention came over items seized in North Carolina. The U.S. Attorney’s filing anticipates defense attorneys will object to the introduction of “alleged device components, ammunition, the IED manual… and any similar items.” Prosecutors expect Cannon to go over the admissibility of the items.
See Also: ‘This was an assassination attempt’ Routh wrote on Trump plot
Defense attorneys did indicate they will not contend that actions by President Donald Trump or other potential victims may have led to Routh’s actions that day. On the other hand, they reportedly want that restraint held there. Routh’s lawyers would still like to have the option to make similar arguments about other parties, which prosecutors hinted may include the Secret Service, and to bring up some evidence at trial.
The Charges
In this trial, Routh faces charges of attempted assassination, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assaulting a federal officer.
CBS12 News is following the hearing and will have an update when Cannon has made her ruling.
The federal charges are not the only ones against Routh. He also faces state charges in two separate cases linked to the assassination attempt.
In April, state officials revealed he would be charged with attempted first-degree murder and terrorism related directly to the attempted shooting at the golf course.
Previously, the state filed an attempted murder charge related to the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The allegation stems from a wreck that happened on I-95 and seriously injured a 6-year-old girl while Routh was being detained.
Then-Attorney General Ashley Moody said a girl was “seriously injured” and “almost died” in the collision.
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