Staff Reports
In yet another twist in the saga surrounding threats against former President Donald Trump, the federal case against Ryan Routh—the man who attempted to take Trump’s life—has been marked with a scheduling decision that raises eyebrows. Just a couple of weeks after Routh’s ill-fated attempt at political assassination, the wheels of justice have begun turning, though one might question how smoothly they can really roll under the current political climate.
Promptly apprehended thanks to a vigilant witness who managed to snap a photo of Routh’s license plate during his reckless attempt, Routh now faces serious charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and various firearms offenses. His arraignment on September 30 saw him pleading not guilty, an unsurprising move given the craziness of today’s political theater, where even blatant criminality is no longer a clear-cut affair.
New: Federal prosecutors have requested Judge Cannon indefinitely delay Trump assassination suspect Ryan Routh's trial date and formally designate his case as "complex," citing their ongoing investigation and a massive amount of evidence collected in the 17 days since his arrest. pic.twitter.com/QBtNjHzv0y
— Alex Mallin (@alex_mallin) October 2, 2024
While Judge Aileen Cannon originally set a two-week trial to commence on November 18, 2024, the Department of Justice has stepped in with claims that the case is too “complex” to move forward as scheduled. They cite the sheer volume of evidence they’ve gathered—hundreds of witnesses interviewed and piles of electronic devices seized, with thousands of videos on the docket to be reviewed. One can’t help but wonder if the DOJ is more interested in dragging its feet than securing a quick resolution, lending an unflattering light on their eagerness to delay the proceedings.
Even more eyebrow-raising is the fact that Routh’s defense has not opposed this motion. It seems like an odd play for someone charged with such a heinous act. One would expect at least some semblance of a fight, but here, it appears that the defense is willing to kick the can down the road rather than take a stand. This situation could very well set the tone for how serious the judiciary is about dealing with actual threats against political figures.
As the argument for a postponement gains traction, the likelihood of a trial happening in November seems slim. Judge Cannon will likely give credence to the DOJ’s request, resulting in an extended timeline that allows for further digging into the mountain of evidence. Conservatives across the board can’t help but watch this unfolding drama, questioning what it means for justice when the perpetrator of an assassination attempt gets more leniency than most Americans would in any serious legal trouble.
The nation will be watching, but if history has taught anything, it’s that the justice system often takes its sweet time—especially when the political stakes are as high as they are in this case. Expect more delays and distractions as the saga drags on. In the meantime, conservatives are left wondering whether the system is as committed to accountability as it is to itself.
