Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Trump, pleads not guilty: Wants to present his defense before a jury

58-year-old Ryan Routh, who is accused of an assassination attempt on former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump while he was playing golf in the US state of Florida on September 15, appeared in court. Pleading not guilty, Routh stated that he did not accept the five federal charges brought against him and requested a jury trial.

Gunshots were heard near the golf course where Trump was located in Florida, and it was reported shortly after that Trump was safe.

Following the incident, Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., announced in a statement on his social media account that local law enforcement had found an AK-47 rifle in the bushes at the golf course and that a suspect had been taken into custody.

Additionally, it was stated that a Secret Service agent opened fire on the suspect while Trump, whom he was tasked with protecting, was playing golf.

Routh's lawyers argue that their client is innocent, that the evidence is insufficient, and claim that the charges are baseless. While federal authorities are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into the incident, the trial is expected to begin in the coming months.

It is stated that if found guilty, Routh could face a significant prison sentence. This incident has led to an increase in security measures for Trump during the election process.

Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON TRUMP

Trump was also subjected to an armed attack while speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, during which he was wounded in his right ear.

In the attack, firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was attending the rally, lost his life, 2 people were injured, and the US Secret Service neutralized the 20-year-old attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks by shooting him at the scene.

News Source: İHA