Ryan Routh, 58, pleaded not guilty on Monday to federal charges related to a plot to assassinate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course. His lawyer, Kristy Militello, entered the plea during a brief arraignment in West Palm Beach, requesting a jury trial.
Routh, in a beige prison uniform, acknowledged the charges against him. He was arrested on September 15 after a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course. Routh fled but was arrested shortly afterward.
Charged with attempted assassination, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses, Routh remains in custody. FBI analysis showed he had been near Trump’s golf course multiple times since August.
Court documents reveal that Routh allegedly left letters in a box months earlier, apologizing for a failed assassination attempt and offering a reward to anyone who could complete the job. The case is assigned to federal District Judge Aileen Cannon.
