Man accused of Trump assassination bid pleads not guilty
Ryan Routh faces federal charges after the September 15 incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach
Ryan Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of plotting to kill Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, pleaded not guilty on Monday to several federal charges.
His lawyer Kristy Militello entered the not guilty plea during a brief arraignment in a West Palm Beach federal courthouse and requested a jury trial.
Wearing a beige prison uniform and shackles on his wrists and ankles, Routh answered “yes, your honour”, when the magistrate judge asked him if he was aware of the charges against him.
Routh was arrested on September 15 after a Secret Service agent saw the barrel of a rifle poking out from brush on the perimeter of the West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing a round.
01:59
Donald Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt at Florida golf course
The agent opened fire and Routh, who fled in a vehicle, was arrested soon after.
He has been charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and firearms offences.
