FORT PIERCE, Fla. >> The criminal trial of the man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump got off to a contentious start today as a federal judge cut off a meandering opening statement from defendant Ryan Routh, who is representing himself in a proceeding set to showcase the increasing prominence of political violence in the United States.

Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon stopped Routh’s presentation to a jury after only a few minutes after Routh delved into topics including the origin of the human species, the settlement of the American West, and international conflicts.

“This case means absolutely nothing,” Routh said, prompting Cannon to send the jury out of the courtroom. Routh told the judge he wanted to speak about non-violence.

Cannon had earlier w

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