Pipe bomb suspect pleads not guilty in New York

The man charged with mailing explosives to prominent Democrats and critics of President Trump across the country last month has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him in New York.

Cesar Sayoc Jr. pleaded not guilty on Thursday to 30 charges against him in federal court in New York, according to Reuters.

{mosads}If Sayoc is convicted he could face a sentence of life in prison.

The judge overseeing the case has set his trial to begin in July.

Sayoc, 56, was arrested in Florida last month and charged with interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communication and assaulting federal officers.

Sayoc was indicted on Friday on charges of using weapons of mass destruction with intent of killing or injuring individuals.

He is accused of sending several pipe bombs to a number of prominent Democratic figures including former President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in addition to other Democrats who have sparred with Trump.

None of the devices exploded and no injuries were reported.

The series of mail bombs drew massive attention for weeks in the lead up to November’s midterm elections, with some critics casting partial blame on Trump’s rhetoric for encouraging the attempted attacks. Sayoc, who has been identified as a supporter of the president, is accused of sending the explosive devices to some of Trump’s harshest critics.

Trump last month pledged “swift and certain justice” for those responsible for the attempted bombing attacks.

“We must never allow political violence to take root in America — cannot let it happen — and I am committed to doing everything in my power to stop it and to stop it now,” Trump said.

Updated at 1:17 p.m.