(DailyAnswer.org) – Ryan Wesley Routh, who faces charges for trying to assassinate Donald Trump last month, is asking for Judge Aileen Cannon to step down from his case. Routh’s lawyers argue that Cannon might not be able to judge fairly, considering her past connections to Trump. Cannon was nominated by Trump and has made rulings in his favor.
In a legal motion filed on Thursday, Routh’s defense team said that Cannon’s role creates a serious risk of bias—or at least the appearance of it. “Given the unique facts of this case and the judge’s relationship to the alleged victim, it’s important for Judge Cannon to recuse herself to maintain the appearance of impartiality,” the filing stated.
The lawyers emphasized that Trump has spoken positively about Cannon’s rulings, especially during his campaign for the 2024 election. They also argued that, if Trump wins and becomes president again, he would have the power to nominate Cannon to a higher court. “This situation gives Trump a significant personal stake in the outcome,” the motion claimed.
The filing further warned that people might think the judicial process is rigged if Cannon stays on the case. While the lawyers admitted there is no evidence suggesting that Cannon was chosen unfairly, they noted that media coverage has already raised suspicions. “Conspiracy theories have started with less,” the lawyers wrote, adding that Cannon stepping aside could prevent damage to the court’s reputation.
Reports from Politico state that Cannon was one of about six judges who could have been assigned to the case. However, the defense fears that the public will believe Trump’s legal troubles were somehow funneled to a favorable judge, harming trust in the system.
Routh, who has pleaded not guilty, faces five charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. On September 15, while Trump was playing golf at his West Palm Beach course, Secret Service agents saw someone hiding with a gun. Shots were fired, but the suspect fled. Routh was later caught and arrested.
This incident followed another shooting in July at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president was injured. Tragically, local fire chief Corey Comperatore was killed shielding his family from gunfire.
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