A man accused of plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in a federal court on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Joshua Ryne Goldberg, was arrested in 2015 for allegedly planning to detonate a bomb at a rally attended by Trump in Kansas City.
Goldberg, who has been described as a self-proclaimed white supremacist, allegedly communicated with an undercover FBI agent posing as a member of a terrorist organization. According to court documents, Goldberg discussed various methods of carrying out the attack, including using a pressure cooker bomb or a car bomb.
During the court hearing, Goldberg maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His defense attorney argued that Goldberg was a young and troubled individual who was manipulated by the undercover agent into participating in the plot.
The case against Goldberg has raised concerns about the rise of domestic terrorism in the United States. In recent years, there has been a growing number of individuals who have been arrested for plotting attacks on public figures or carrying out violent acts in the name of extremist ideologies.
The Trump administration has been vocal about cracking down on domestic terrorism, with former President Trump himself frequently condemning acts of violence and extremism. In a statement following Goldberg’s arrest, Trump called the suspect a “deranged individual” and praised law enforcement for foiling the assassination plot.
Goldberg’s trial is set to begin in the coming months, and he could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremists and the need for vigilance in combating terrorism in all its forms.