The opening statement of Ryan Wesley Routh, on trial for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last September, was cut short Thursday after he veered off-topic during his self-representation.

Routh spent less than five minutes discussing unrelated topics, including homo erectus, global violence, and figures like Putin, Netanyahu, and Hitler, before Judge Aileen Cannon interrupted him and ultimately ended his statement.

He became emotional while mentioning American inventions such as the Wright Brothers but was repeatedly admonished for exceeding the bounds of the court’s instructions.

Routh faces five federal charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

A standby attorney is available to assist with procedural and technical matters, and the judge may remove him as his own counsel if necessary.

In contrast, prosecutors gave a traditional opening, describing Routh’s alleged meticulous planning, including creating a “sniper’s nest” near Trump’s golf course, using aliases to track Trump, and preparing supplies for the attempted attack, CNN has reported.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley emphasized the seriousness of the plot, stating Routh intended to prevent Trump from being elected president and had planned the assassination with detailed preparation over multiple days.