The man accused of attempting to shoot former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Ryan Routh, 58, appeared in a Florida federal court on Monday to be arraigned on charges including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. The charges stem from an incident earlier this month when Routh was arrested near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
According to court documents, Routh was discovered by a Secret Service agent hiding in the bushes near the golf course, allegedly armed with a rifle. The agent reportedly apprehended Routh before he could get close to the former president, who was at the club at the time of the incident. Routh was taken into custody without incident, and federal prosecutors quickly brought charges against him.
During Monday’s arraignment, Routh entered a plea of not guilty. He will remain in jail as he awaits trial, with no bond granted due to the seriousness of the charges. Prosecutors argue that Routh poses a significant threat, while his defense has yet to comment on their strategy moving forward.
The attempted assassination charge carries significant legal weight, particularly as Trump remains a prominent figure in U.S. politics. Routh’s trial is expected to draw considerable attention as details of the case unfold. For now, Routh remains in federal custody, with a trial date yet to be set.
