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The judge who dismissed the case against Trump over secret documents will decide whether to charge the alleged assassin

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Andrew Feinberg

White House correspondent

The judge who dismissed Jack Smith's confidential documents case against Donald Trump will preside over the trial of his alleged assassin.

Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Ryan Routh with attempted murder of a key presidential candidate. Officials say he stalked the former president in Florida for about a month. He positioned himself in front of Trump's Mar-a-Lago on August 18th. According to CNN, cell phone data has confirmed this.

Now Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the documents case in June after months of delays and hostile behavior toward federal prosecutors, will preside over the case. Jack Smith, the DOJ-appointed special counsel, is currently appealing their decision.

Routh was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime and assault on a federal officer, in addition to the two previous firearms charges. Officials took him into custody on September 15 after an incident at Trump's home in Florida.

Routh is believed to have different political views than the former president, but his social media accounts say he voted for him in 2016.

Ryan Routh has been charged with attempted murder of a former president, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Judge Aileen Cannon will preside over his case
Ryan Routh has been charged with attempted murder of a former president, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Judge Aileen Cannon will preside over his case (AP)

He was charged about two months after the first assassination attempt against the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania, during a campaign rally. 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire on Trump from the roof of a nearby warehouse on July 13, hitting Trump's right ear.

Members of the crowd were also shot before the Secret Service ordered a sniper to shoot him.

U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon will oversee Ryan Routh's trial
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon will oversee Ryan Routh's trial (AP)

Routh is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference on Tuesday: “The assassination attempt on the former president is a heinous act.” “I am grateful that he is safe, and as I said immediately after the incident, the Justice Department will not use any resources to ensure accountability.”

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