Suspect in Trump assassination plot Ryan Routh asks for death penalty, proposes prisoner swap with Iran, Russia, Hamas

Suspect in the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, Ryan Routh, has written a letter to a judge asking why the death penalty is not on the table as a punishment for him, as well as asking if he could be part of a prisoner swap between the US and America's adversaries. He suggested that he could be swapped for a Ukrainian soldier being held in Russia.

Routh, who said that he wants to legally represent himself in his trial, sent a letter to US District Judge Aileen Cannon full of odd requests. Cannon is overseeing his case of being a suspect in the second attempted assassination of Trump. Routh has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president while Trump was out golfing in Florida. He was seen by Secret Service agents as he was sticking a rifle's barrel through a fence in the direction of the president.

In the letter, Routh wrote, "Why is the death penalty not allowed? At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love — what is the point? Why is it not all or nothing?" Routh has previously sent letters with other outlandish requests. 

"I had wished for a prisoner swap with Hamas, Iran... or China for Jimmy Lai or one of the 40 others, or to freeze to death in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier... so I could die being of some use and save all this court mess," he added. "Perhaps you [Judge Cannon] have the power to trade me away... An easy diplomatic victory for Trump to give an American he hates to China, Iran, or North Korea... everyone wins."

Routh also addressed his legal team in the letter, saying that he "no longer want[s] to listen to how horrible a person" he is, and that he will be "representing [him]self moving forward" in the case.

"They do not want the case and I no longer want to listen to how horrible a person I am — I can beat my own self up; I do not need help," he wrote. "Best I walk alone."

The letter was filled with other points of self-loathing, as well as an apology for firing his lawyers. "It was ridiculous from the outset to consider a random stranger that knows nothing of who I am to speak for me... I am sorry — a childish mistake," Routh wrote. "I am so sorry, I know this makes your life harder. Sorry to expend everyone’s time on one so insignificant and useless."

While Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach on September 15 last year. Routh was allegedly seen poking a rifle through the fence and bushes a few hundred yards away from where Trump and his security detail were. Agents fired upon him in reaction, and he ran away, leaving the firearm behind. As he attempted to escape by car, a witness was able to record his car's license plate, and he was stopped by police in Martin County the same day and arrested.

Routh Letter