Man accused of trying to assassinate Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges

The 12-hour standoff came to an end when a member of Trump’s Secret Service noticed a rifle barrel sticking out from the fence line of the golf course. Agents opened fire in Routh’s direction, leading him to flee. He was later arrested in a neighbouring county.

Prosecutors revealed that Routh had written about his plan months earlier, referring to it as a “failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump” in a note offering $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job.”

Routh, who did not fire any shots and did not have Trump in his line of sight at the time, had left behind a loaded rifle, a digital camera, a backpack, and food, said.

Court documents show Routh was charged with several offences, including possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and illegal gun possession, despite having prior felony convictions.

The case is being overseen by US District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump and previously involved in handling Trump’s classified documents case. Routh’s lawyers declined to comment after the brief hearing.

This latest incident follows an earlier assassination attempt in July, when Trump was shot and wounded in the ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. While the Secret Service acknowledged shortcomings in that incident, they claimed that the agency acted swiftly to prevent an attack on Trump in Florida.

Initially charged only with gun-related offences, federal prosecutors have since added more serious charges, according to AP. Further proceedings in the case are set to take place under Judge Cannon’s supervision.