Man Pleads Not Guilty in Trump Assassination Attempt Case

Ryan Wesley Routh, charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has entered a not guilty plea in federal court.

At a Glance

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, entered a not guilty plea to charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate.
Routh was arrested for allegedly pointing a high-powered rifle at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.
Evidence includes a letter offering a $150,000 reward for Trump’s assassination.
Routh faces up to life in prison if convicted of the assassination attempt charge.
This marks the second alleged attempt on Trump’s life in just over nine weeks.

Charges and Plea

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared in federal court to face charges stemming from an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Routh entered a not guilty plea to multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer, and illegal possession of a firearm. The charges carry severe penalties, with the assassination attempt charge alone potentially resulting in life imprisonment.

During the brief hearing presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart, Routh appeared in court wearing a beige inmate outfit, shackled at his wrists, waist, and ankles. His defense attorneys waived an official reading of the charges and requested a jury trial.

The man charged in an apparent assassination plan against former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all jury charges against him on Monday. https://t.co/BZFsM72zJk

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) September 30, 2024

The Alleged Assassination Attempt

The incident occurred on September 15 near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities allege that Routh was spotted pointing a high-powered rifle through a fence near the property. A Secret Service agent, upon noticing the rifle barrel, quickly intervened and fired at Routh before he could target Trump. This swift action potentially thwarted what could have been a catastrophic event.

Routh reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended in a neighboring county. He did not fire any rounds during the incident. Upon his arrest, investigators discovered a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope, a digital camera, a backpack, and a plastic bag containing food left behind at the scene.

Disturbing Evidence

The case against Routh includes alarming evidence that points to premeditation. Investigators uncovered a letter allegedly written by Routh offering a substantial reward for Trump’s assassination. This letter, along with other incriminating materials, paints a troubling picture of the defendant’s intentions.

Further evidence came to light when a civilian witness reported a box dropped off by Routh at his residence. The box contained letters, ammunition, a metal pipe, building materials, tools, and four phones. These items, combined with Routh’s alleged 12-hour stakeout near Trump’s golf course, suggest a level of planning and determination that prosecutors are likely to emphasize during the trial.

Broader Implications

This incident marks the second alleged attempt on Trump’s life in a short period, raising concerns about the security of political figures. The previous incident, which occurred just over nine weeks earlier, involved Thomas Crooks, who allegedly grazed Trump’s ear with a bullet before being killed by law enforcement.

The case will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump during his presidency. Judge Cannon’s involvement adds an interesting dimension to the case, given her previous ruling dismissing a criminal case against Trump, a decision currently under appeal.

As the legal proceedings unfold, investigators continue to work on establishing a comprehensive timeline of events and determining how Routh managed to get close to Trump’s property. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the security protocols surrounding former presidents and current presidential candidates.