Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Trump, pleaded not guilty to new charges in federal court on Monday. The charges include attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assault on a federal officer.
Ryan Routh, the man accused of plotting to assassinate former President Trump, pleaded not guilty to new charges in federal court on Monday.
Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
Through his public defenders, Routh pleaded not guilty to five counts, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assault on a federal officer. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart accepted the plea and noted that the defense requested a jury trial.
These new charges are in addition to the federal gun charges he appeared in court for last Monday. Routh had been previously charged federally with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon. He was ordered by a federal judge last Monday to remain in custody.
Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
According to court documents, Routh allegedly stalked Trump's Mar-a-Lago property and the former president's golf course in West Palm Beach for weeks. He is accused of waiting about 12 hours outside Trump International Golf Club with a rifle while Trump was golfing on Sept. 15. A Secret Service agent saw Routh pointing a rifle through a fence and fired at him. Routh fled and was arrested that day.
Routh's defense team declined to have the indictment read in court. When Reinhart asked Routh if he understood the charges, Routh replied, "Yes, your honor."
Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
Routh was shackled and wore a tan prison jumpsuit during the hearing. He seemed to motion with his handcuffed hands that he wanted something to write on. He also appeared to notice the court sketch artist and nodded at him.
The judge ordered a jury trial for Routh. No trial date has been set yet.
Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
Routh's alleged attempt to assassinate Trump has raised concerns about the safety of former presidents and the increasing threats of violence in American politics.
The Secret Service has increased security around Trump and other former presidents since the alleged assassination attempt. The agency has also been working to assess potential threats to other high-profile figures.
Ryan Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
The attempted assassination of Trump has also sparked a debate about gun control. Some lawmakers have called for stricter gun laws, while others have argued that the focus should be on addressing the underlying causes of violence.
The case against Routh is expected to proceed through the federal court system in the coming months. The outcome of the case will likely have a significant impact on the security of former presidents and the debate about gun control in the United States.
