U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has declined to recuse herself from presiding over the case involving Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course.
Routh had argued that Cannon’s previous decisions in Trump’s favor, particularly her dismissal of his classified documents indictment, could create a perception of bias.
In her ruling, Cannon stated, “As Defendant acknowledges, I have no control over what private citizens, members of the media, or public officials or candidates elect to say about me or my judicial rulings.” She continued, “Nor am I concerned about the political consequences of my rulings or how those rulings might be viewed by ‘some in the media.’”
Routh faces five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. Prosecutors allege that last month he was found near Trump’s golf course with a rifle while Trump was present. If convicted, Routh could face a life sentence; he has pleaded not guilty.
Read Cannon’s ruling here.
