Man Charged in Trump Assassination Plot Pleads Not Guilty

Ryan Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal court. Prosecutors allege that Routh was found hiding near Trump’s Florida golf course in West Palm Beach earlier this month, armed with a rifle.

A Secret Service officer reportedly spotted the rifle barrel poking through a fence and opened fire, prompting Routh to flee the scene. He was later arrested on Interstate 95. In addition to the attempted assassination charge, Routh faces charges related to firearms offences and assaulting an officer.

In court on Monday, Routh appeared handcuffed and in a prison jumpsuit. His attorneys entered a plea of not guilty and requested a jury trial. The hearing lasted approximately five minutes.

Routh, who has a history of criminal activity, including a prior felony conviction involving firearms, faces a life sentence if convicted on the assassination charge. Prosecutors revealed that Routh had written a note months ago indicating his intent to kill Trump, further complicating his defense. He has been in custody since his arrest on September 15.