FBI says Trump was subject of apparent assassination attempt at his golf club
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt on Sunday at his golf club in West Palm Beach, according to the FBI. This incident occurred just nine weeks after a previous attempt on his life. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, assured supporters that he was safe and well following the event, while law enforcement apprehended a suspect.
The incident unfolded when U.S. Secret Service agents, stationed several holes ahead of where Trump was playing, spotted the muzzle of an AK-style rifle protruding through the bushes, approximately 400 yards from the former president. One of the agents acted quickly, firing at the gunman, who then abandoned his rifle and fled the scene in an SUV, leaving behind two backpacks, a rifle scope, and a GoPro camera.
Authorities later apprehended the suspect in a neighboring county. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that the suspect had been stopped by law enforcement in a neighboring area. The man, identified as Ryan Routh, 58, remained calm and emotionless when apprehended, according to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder. Routh did not question why he was stopped, which raised suspicions among the officers.
This assassination attempt marks another dramatic moment in Trump’s campaign, which has been marred by violence. On July 13, Trump survived a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. Days later, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, clearing the path for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. These recent threats have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Secret Service protective measures.
In an email to his supporters, Trump reassured them of his safety: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago shortly after the incident, though it was unclear if the event would affect his campaign schedule. He had been planning a series of appearances in the coming days, including a speech on cryptocurrency scheduled for Monday night and a town hall in Michigan on Tuesday. The campaign also advised staff to remain vigilant as they approach the final stretch of the election season.
Biden and Harris, who were briefed on the situation, both condemned the violence. Harris released a statement asserting that “violence has no place in America,” while Biden vowed to ensure that Trump receives the full protection he needs, calling for every resource to be made available to the Secret Service.
Despite the apparent danger, Trump’s campaign allies remained optimistic. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Ohio Senator JD Vance expressed their unwavering support, calling Trump “unstoppable.” Fox News host Sean Hannity shared a conversation he had with Trump shortly after the incident, recounting how Secret Service agents acted quickly to shield the former president on the golf course.
Since the assassination attempt in July, Trump’s security has been significantly increased. When he stays at Trump Tower in New York, dump trucks are often parked to create a barrier around the building. At public events, bulletproof glass has been used to protect him during speeches. However, Sunday’s incident exposed vulnerabilities at Trump’s Florida golf club, where security was present but limited to certain areas.
Sheriff Bradshaw noted that had Trump still been president, the entire golf course would have been secured by law enforcement. Since Trump is a former president, security is scaled down, though it remains substantial due to the ongoing threats he faces.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation and is working to determine Routh’s motive. Routh, who had previously shown support for Trump’s reelection in 2020, had shifted his political stance in recent years, backing Biden and Harris in social media posts. His recent activities, including his involvement with Afghan soldiers and time spent in Ukraine, are under scrutiny as authorities investigate whether there was a deeper plot behind the attack.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would conduct an independent investigation into the assassination attempt. He expressed concerns about how the gunman managed to get so close to Trump and called for greater transparency in security protocols. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has not commented on whether they will adjust his security measures following the latest incident.
As of now, Trump remains safe, and his campaign plans are still on track, despite the scare. However, the event has sparked renewed concern over the safety of political figures in an increasingly tense election season.
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