The suspect in the second assassination attempt on former President Trump laughed and smiled before his first court appearance in Florida on Monday, FOX News confirmed.
Ryan Wesley Routh, dressed in prison garb and shackled at the wrists and ankles, entered the courtroom and smiled and laughed about three or four times as he spoke to his court-appointed attorney before the hearing began, FOX News observed. No cameras were allowed inside the federal courtroom hearing on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Routh answered all of the judge's questions during the 10-minute hearing Monday. He will be formally arraigned on Sept. 30.
FOX has been informed that additional federal charges are possible. The initial charges announced Monday will keep Routh in custody.
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On Monday, the judge read the sentences for each count. The first offense carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release. The second offense carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release. Routh answered “yes” when asked if he understood the sentences.
The judge also asked Routh if he could afford his own lawyer or if he needed a public defender. Routh said he did not have enough income, and when questioned by the judge, he said he made about $3,000 a month, had no savings and owned no real estate. Routh also told the court he owned two trucks in Hawaii worth about $1,000 each, partially supported his 25-year-old son and owned no jewelry.
U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael requested that Routh remain in custody, citing a risk of flight before trial and attempted obstruction.
The prosecution requested a detention hearing in three days, but the defense asked for five days to better prepare, which the judge granted.
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The detention hearing is scheduled for September 23 and the probable cause hearing is set for September 30.
This is a developing story. Check back regularly for updates. FOX News' Shona Holagh and Heather Lacy contributed to this report.