Ryan Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of plotting to kill Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course, pleaded not guilty on Monday to several federal charges. His lawyer, Kristy Militello, entered the not guilty plea during a brief arraignment in a West Palm Beach federal courthouse and requested a jury trial.

Wearing a beige prison uniform and shackles on his wrists and ankles, Routh answered 'yes, your honour,' when the magistrate judge asked him if he was aware of the charges against him. Routh was arrested on September 15 after a Secret Service agent saw the barrel of a rifle poking out from brush on the perimeter of the West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing a round. The agent opened fire and Routh, who fled in a vehicle, was arrested shortly later. He has been charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and firearms offences.

A federal judge ruled last week that Routh, identified as a Hawaii resident, should remain in custody. FBI analysis of Routh's phone showed he had been in Florida since August 18, and his devices were located multiple times between that date and September 15 near Trump's golf course and his Mar-a-Lago residence, according to prosecutors. Before being spotted by the Secret Service agent, Routh spent nearly 12 hours in the vicinity of the Trump International Golf Club, according to his phone location data.

Court documents said Routh allegedly dropped off a box at an unidentified person's home several months before the attempted assassination containing various letters. One letter, addressed to 'The World,' allegedly said: 'This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry 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 defense team has requested a jury trial, but a date has not yet been set. CBS News reported that if found guilty, Routh could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Prosecutors revealed that Routh had a list with locations where Trump was scheduled to hold election rallies. Additionally, investigators found an assault rifle, a telescopic sight, and two backpacks at the site where Routh was discovered by the Secret Service agent.

This was the second assassination attempt on Trump this summer. The first occurred on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During that incident, a gunman opened fire, killing one person and wounding Trump in the ear. The attacker was killed by law enforcement on the scene.

The Routh case has been assigned at random to federal District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who previously dismissed criminal proceedings against the former president earlier this year over his retention of top-secret documents at his private residence. During a brief hearing, when asked about his five charges, Routh stated he understood them but pleaded not guilty to all, including attempted murder, assault on a police officer, and possession of firearms.

Among the contentious aspects of this case is Routh's apparent political motivations. It was revealed that Routh intended to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces and had posted support for Ukraine on social media platform X. In one post, Routh mentioned he was ready to 'fight and die for Kyiv,' reflecting the geopolitical dimensions to his motivations. The Trump assassination attempt has become a focal point not only for domestic security concerns but also for discussions on extraterritorial political influences.

Following his arrest, Routh's involvement and subsequent not guilty plea have sparked discussion on the severity of political violence in the United States. His son was also taken into custody on charges of child pornography, adding another layer to the Routh family's complex legal troubles.