How Trump's Would-Be Assassin Forced Government's Hand on Aileen Cannon?

Ryan Routh, the man accused of making a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Florida, has compelled federal authorities to address concerns about Judge Aileen Cannon’s impartiality in overseeing Trump’s classified documents case.

Routh, who is accused of planning to shoot Trump at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach on September 15, filed a 10-page motion last week requesting Judge Cannon’s recusal. The suspect argued that Cannon's close connection to Trump, given her appointment by him, raises questions about her ability to be impartial. He pointed specifically to her dismissal of the 40 federal charges against Trump related to his alleged mishandling of sensitive documents at Mar-a-Lago and his obstruction of federal retrieval efforts.

Cannon had dismissed the case after ruling that Special Counsel Jack Smith, the lead prosecutor, was unlawfully appointed. Routh cited this decision as evidence of bias and argued that the judge’s association with Trump compromised public confidence in her neutrality. “This motion presumes that this Court would preside over this case impartially,” reads the October 17 filing. “However, given the heightened stakes and public scrutiny, there should not be any doubts about even the appearance of impartiality of the presiding judge.”

Routh’s attorneys also highlighted that Trump had publicly praised Cannon following her dismissal of the case in July. Nevertheless, Smith did not pursue a reassignment of the case to another judge, only seeking a reversal of the dismissal.

Routh's motion has led the Department of Justice (DOJ) to directly address the issue of Cannon’s appointment. Citing the case of Straw v. United States, the DOJ’s three-page response stated, “There is no support whatsoever for the contention that a judge can be disqualified based simply on the identity of the President who appointed him.” The DOJ argued that Routh failed to present any legal or factual grounds for Cannon, or the court, to disqualify itself.

When approached for comment, the DOJ referred to its court filing. In his reply on Wednesday, Routh expressed dissatisfaction with the DOJ's response, arguing it didn’t “meaningfully” address his concerns. He pointed to speculation that Cannon could be considered for promotion if Trump wins re-election, referring to reports that she is on a list of potential picks for U.S. Attorney General.

Routh is set to stand trial beginning November 18, shortly after Election Day. The 58-year-old faces federal charges for possession of a firearm as a former felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Although Routh did not fire any shots on September 15, he fled after a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle near a fence several holes ahead of where Trump was playing. He was apprehended later that day.