The Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent critics of President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty 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 Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff has set a July 15, 2019, trial date.
Sayoc was arrested Oct. 26 outside an auto parts store in Plantation, Florida.
Authorities said he sent improvised explosive devices to numerous Democrats, critics of Trump and CNN. The scare heightened tensions before the crucial midterm elections but he was arrested within days.
Some of the devices arrived at New York addresses. None of them exploded.
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