Ryan Routh, 58, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15.
On Monday, Routh confirmed his awareness of the charges during a hearing before US Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart.
Routh faces charges including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offenses.
Prosecutors allege Routh intended to kill Trump while he golfed, and was arrested after a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel poking out from brush on the golf course perimeter.
A self-published book by Routh condemned Trump, and a letter left with an associate referenced the attempted assassination.
Routh’s lawyers suggest the letter may have been a publicity attempt, highlighting Routh’s efforts to promote democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan.
This incident marks the second apparent assassination attempt against Trump in recent months, following a July shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.
The US Secret Service acknowledged failures in security planning and coordination with local police during the rally.
