Man Accused of Plotting to Assassinate Trump Pleads Not Guilty
The man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf resort entered a not guilty plea during a brief court appearance on Monday.
Ryan Routh, 58, was apprehended earlier this month after allegedly being found near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course with a rifle. According to prosecutors, Routh was discovered by a Secret Service agent, who spotted the barrel of his gun poking through a fence. The agent opened fire, causing Routh to flee. He was arrested shortly after on Interstate 95, a major Florida highway.
In addition to the attempted assassination charge, Routh faces charges of firearms violations and assaulting a federal officer. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Who Is Ryan Routh?
Routh, who has a checkered criminal past including a felony conviction for possessing an illegal firearm, had been active in recruiting volunteers to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia. His political affiliations and online posts show a mix of eclectic political views, though he was registered as a Democrat and had shared anti-Trump sentiments.
Authorities revealed that months prior to the incident, Routh had written a letter claiming his intention to kill Trump, even offering a reward for anyone who could “finish the job.” Routh’s arrest came on September 15, and he has been held in Florida since then.
In Court
During the Monday court hearing, Routh appeared handcuffed in a brown prison uniform. He acknowledged the charges as they were read to him, but his attorneys entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial. The hearing lasted only five minutes, but if found guilty of the charges, Routh could face life imprisonment.
This case follows a previous attempt on Trump’s life by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was fatally shot by Secret Service snipers after opening fire during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Security Concerns for Trump
Trump has expressed frustration with his Secret Service detail, particularly after the most recent plot. He criticized the agency, saying his security team had been reduced, which forced him to hold a smaller indoor event in Wisconsin last weekend instead of the larger outdoor venue he had initially planned.
The Secret Service responded by citing the agency’s stretched resources due to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which required the protection of over 140 world leaders during their visits to the U.S.
Bodycam Footage Released
Footage from a police body camera showing Routh’s arrest has been released, shedding light on the dramatic moments following the failed assassination attempt.
As the case moves forward, it continues to draw national attention, raising questions about political violence and security surrounding high-profile figures like Donald Trump.
