WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The man accused of plotting to kill Donald Trump at the former president’s Florida golf course eariler this month pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, wore a beige inmate’s outfit with a dark brown undershirt during his brief appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart.
Routh sported black, thick-rimmed glasses and was completely clean shaven, in stark contrast to the white beard he had at his earlier detention hearing.
Routh was shackled at his wrists, waist and ankles and was escorted into court by a U.S. marshal wearing a suit and black latex gloves.
The defendant appeared to gesture to reporters and audience members, pantomiming scribbling on a note pad and then pointing to himself.
When the counts were read to him, Reinhart asked Routh if he understood and he responded, “Yes, your honor.”
Defense attorneys then waived an official reading of charges, entered a not guilty plea and officially requested a jury trial, in this hearing that lasted less than five minutes.
Federal prosecutors allege in a five-count indictment that Routh “did intentionally attempt to kill Former President of the United States Donald J. Trump, a major Presidential candidate” on Sept. 15.
A Secret Service agent spotted Routh with a gun outside of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and opened fire on him before Routh had Trump in his sights. Routh was arrested as he attempted to drive away from the scene.
In addition to attempted assassination, Routh was also indicted for allegedly assaulting a federal officer and three other weapons violations. He could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted on all counts.
Jesse Kirsch reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and David K. Li from New York City.
