Routh Pleads Not Guilty to Attempting Trump's Assassination

Ryan Routh, 58, pleaded not guilty to federal charges including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Routh, arrested near Trump's Florida golf course, allegedly intended to kill the former president and had written about it in a self-published book. Prosecutors revealed detailed plans while his lawyers suggested it was a bid for publicity.

Ryan Routh, 58, entered a not guilty plea on Monday to five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. The charges arose after Routh positioned himself with a rifle near Trump's Florida golf course on Sept. 15.

Prosecutors allege that Routh, a beleaguered roofing contractor, targeted Trump and had previously condemned him in a self-published book. Routh had also left a letter months earlier referencing the attempted assassination. Authorities stated that Routh was found with an AK-47-style rifle and other paraphernalia near the sixth hole of the course.

Further details from prosecutors revealed that a Secret Service agent spotted Routh and opened fire, resulting in Routh fleeing. He was apprehended later along a Florida highway. This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump within two months, intensifying concerns ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

(With inputs from agencies.)