Donald Trump survives second assassination attempt on golf course in Florida. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating what it has classified as an “attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Secret Service agents fired at a man armed with an AK-47 rifle on or near Trump’s golf course in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to Trump’s campaign spokesperson, the former president remains “safe.” Law enforcement sources confirmed to ABC News that a suspect was already in custody.
This alarming event follows another attempt on Trump’s life just two months ago at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear.
Trump was moving between holes five and six at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, alongside donor Steve Witkoff, when gunshots were heard.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel through a fence and opened fire.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed that the gunman approached as close as 300 to 500 yards from Trump before being spotted by agents.
The Secret Service fired between four and six rounds at the suspect, who then dropped his weapon and fled the scene. “It was not clear if the suspect was aiming his weapon at Trump,” Bradshaw noted.
After the suspect fled in a vehicle, witnesses were able to report the license plate number, which law enforcement quickly tracked down. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody, though his motive remains under investigation.
At the scene, law enforcement discovered an “AK-47-style rifle” and two backpacks containing a GoPro camera and ceramic tiles.
Bradshaw added that Trump’s golf course was not surrounded by law enforcement, given that he is not a sitting president. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter,” Bradshaw said.
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The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old owner of a small construction company in Hawaii.
NaijaTimesUsa also gathered that Routh had previously criticized Trump on social media and is known to be a staunch supporter of Ukraine. Routh also holds the position of “International Volunteer Center Coordinator” on a website called Taiwan Foreign Legion, which claims to recruit individuals willing to defend Taiwan in the event of a war with China.
In his self-published book on geopolitics and the war in Ukraine, Routh referred to Trump as an “idiot,” a “buffoon,” and a “fool.” He also criticized Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, labeling it a “tremendous blunder.”
The FBI, in its official statement, confirmed the investigation into what “appears to be an attempted assassination” of Trump at his Florida golf club, emphasizing the proximity to the earlier attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.
Routh was detained without a weapon when his car was stopped. Police found an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera at the scene. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe remarked on the “high level of pre-planning” evident in Routh’s setup.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of presidential candidates, especially in such a polarized political climate.
Trump’s campaign issued a statement on Truth Social, in which Trump himself expressed gratitude: “I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!”
He also extended his thanks to the Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and other law enforcement officials for “the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me… SAFE.”
Trump added, “THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
In the aftermath, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the assassination attempt.
A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former president and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden said
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.” “There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened … I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety.” Biden declared in a statement, ensuring that the Secret Service would continue to have all the necessary resources to safeguard the former president.
“A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former president and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden said.
Harris expressed her relief that Trump was unharmed, while also condemning the attack, stating, “As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”
While it remains unclear whether Routh had directly targeted Trump, this incident, coming so soon after the previous attempt on his life, has raised concerns about the safety of candidates in the upcoming elections. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and the motivations behind Routh’s actions.
