Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Attempted Assassination of Trump

Ryan Routh, 58, pleaded not guilty to five federal charges in connection with an alleged attempt to assassinate Donald Trump. Routh was accused of positioning himself with a rifle outside Trump's Florida golf course. His lawyer argued that the incident may have been an effort to gain publicity.

Ryan Routh, facing charges for attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty on Monday during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart. The 58-year-old allegedly positioned himself with a rifle outside Trump's Florida golf course on Sept. 15.

Routh, wearing a tan prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, acknowledged his understanding of the charges against him, which include attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. Prosecutors claim Routh intended to kill Trump and had previously condemned the Republican candidate in a self-published book.

Additional evidence presented by prosecutors included a letter Routh wrote referencing an assassination attempt and items found with him, such as an AK-47-style rifle and metal plates. This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months, raising concerns about the security measures for the candidate.

(With inputs from agencies.)