Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has pleaded not guilty to various charges, including attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
He was captured after an incident on September 15 at Trump's West Palm Beach golf club, where he allegedly planned the attack and offered a bounty to anyone who could "finish the job."
The Daily Mail reported that Routh was arraigned in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Monday following his arrest, facing five federal counts related to the incident. He will remain in jail without bail.
According to court documents, Routh aimed a rifle through a fence surrounding the golf club.
A letter in his possession revealed his intent to assassinate Trump and offered $150,000 to anyone who could complete the assassination.
This letter, addressed to "the world," criticized Trump's handling of international relations, particularly with Iran.
During the incident, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent, who noticed him aiming the rifle through the fence.
The agent fired at Routh, causing him to flee towards a nearby black Nissan Xterra. A witness managed to photograph the vehicle and its partial license plate, which was instrumental in Routh's subsequent arrest.
Routh’s vehicle yielded numerous items upon its search, including six cellphones, a Hawaiian driver's license, 12 pairs of gloves, and a notebook containing notes criticizing countries like China and Russia. The items indicated a well-thought-out plan and an agitated mindset.
The letter found in Routh’s possession bears a dramatic tone, claiming, "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job."
Routh’s motivation appeared more ideological as he criticized Trump’s character and suitability for office.
Another part of the letter reads, "Everyone across the globe from the youngest to the oldest knows that Trump is unfit to be anything, much less U.S. president. U.S. presidents must at the bare minimum embody the moral fabric that is America and be kind, caring and selfless and always stand for humanity."
The case has drawn considerable attention, with Attorney General Merrick Garland defending the decision to make Routh's letter public amidst criticism from Republican circles. The publication of the letter aimed to provide transparency, according to Garland.
Further investigation into Routh’s activities revealed a list of Trump's upcoming public events and a route from Palm Beach to Mexico, indicating a possible escape plan. The meticulous nature of Routh’s planning adds a complex layer to the case.
Routh’s background and motivations continue to be scrutinized as the legal procedures progress.
His not guilty plea marks the beginning of what promises to be a closely watched trial, given the high-profile nature of the intended target.
