A man accused of spending 12 hours camped outside Donald Trump's golf course with a rifle before being spotted by Secret Service agents has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including attempted assassination. The incident occurred in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the man, Ryan Wesley Routh, appeared in court following a grand jury indictment.
Routh, who was apprehended by a member of Trump's Secret Service protective detail, was found with a loaded rifle near the golf course where Trump was playing. Despite not firing any rounds or having Trump in his line of sight, Routh's actions raised serious concerns about a potential threat to the former president.
Authorities discovered a handwritten note in which Routh detailed his plans to kill Trump and offered a reward for someone to 'finish the job.' This note, along with other evidence, led to Routh facing multiple charges, including illegal possession of a firearm due to prior felony convictions.
The court proceedings, overseen by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, highlighted the seriousness of the case, especially given the recent assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service's response to both incidents has been scrutinized, with a focus on improving security measures to prevent future threats.
Routh's arrest and subsequent charges underscore the importance of swift and thorough investigations in cases involving potential threats to public figures. Prosecutors are diligently pursuing all avenues to ensure that justice is served and that individuals like Routh are held accountable for their actions.
