Morning Note

Sunday marked the first anniversary of the shooting of Donald Trump. We’re sure you remember where you were when it happened.

The president is fortunate that 2024’s second and less heralded attempt on his life failed as well. Had it not been for the keen eyes of a few Secret Service agents, suspected wannabe assassin Ryan Routh could have abruptly ended Trump’s life less than two months before Election Day. Can you imagine how the country would have reacted?

Now that he’s locked up, Routh is less than thrilled by the prospect of remaining in a cell for decades until his unceremonious death. Based on a bizarre letter he penned in June, he’d likely prefer a quick execution.

"Why is the death penalty not allowed?” he wrote. “At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love — what is the point? Why is it not all or nothing?"

Routh also said he’d fired his attorneys, described himself as “insignificant and useless,” and proposed he be included in a prisoner swap with China, Iran, or North Korea, even offering to go freeze in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier. He clearly needs help.

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