NEW YORK — The Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent critics of President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges carrying a potential mandatory penalty of life in prison.
Cesar Sayoc entered the plea through his lawyer during his appearance in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff set a July 15, 2019, trial date.
Sayoc was arrested on Oct. 26 in Plantation, Florida outside an auto parts store. He had been living in a van covered with stickers of Trump and showing images of some of the president’s opponents with crosshairs over their faces.
Authorities said he sent improvised explosive devices to numerous Democrats, critics of Trump and CNN — a scare that heightened tensions before the crucial midterm elections.