Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty to new charges in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday.
Through his public defenders, the alleged would-be assassin pleaded not guilty to five counts, including the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assault on a federal officer.
Routh’s attorneys also asked for a jury trial. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart accepted the plea and noted that the defense requested a jury trial.
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A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh as he appears in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Routh is facing charges related to the alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. (Lothar Speer)
Reinhart had Routh and his public defenders stand at the lectern.
The defense team declined to have the indictment read in court and Routh replied, “Yes, your honor,” when Reinhart asked him if he understood the charges.
Ryan W. Routh, suspected of attempting to assassinate Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course, stands handcuffed after his arrest during a traffic stop near Palm City, Florida, U.S., September 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/Handout via REUTERS)
Routh was shackled and wore a tan prison jumpsuit. He seemed to motion with his handcuffed hands that he wanted something to write on, and appeared to notice the court sketch artist and nod at him.
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.
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Routh appears to have stalked Mar-a-Lago and the former president’s golf course in West Palm Beach for weeks and may have been planning a getaway to Mexico, a judge and federal prosecutors have revealed.
