Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club.

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump at His Florida Golf Club

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump was the target of what the FBI described as an “apparent assassination attempt” at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This incident comes just nine weeks after Trump survived another attack on his life. Fortunately, the former president confirmed he was safe, and authorities have taken a suspect into custody.

While playing on the course, U.S. Secret Service agents stationed nearby noticed the barrel of an AK-style rifle emerging from the bushes about 400 yards away. Acting quickly, one agent fired at the assailant, who then dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV, leaving behind two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera. The suspect was later apprehended in a neighboring county, as stated by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

This incident adds to a tense campaign season already marked by unrest. Just two months prior, Trump was shot at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with a bullet grazing his ear. A few days later, President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

Following these events, questions about Secret Service security measures have emerged, especially regarding how they handled this recent threat. According to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, the suspect displayed little emotion when apprehended, raising concerns about his mental state.

Trump reassured his supporters through an email, stating, “There were gunshots near me, but I want everyone to know I am SAFE and WELL. Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” Afterward, Trump returned to his Palm Beach residence, Mar-a-Lago, according to a source familiar with his movements.

Gunman Gets Alarmingly Close to Trump

Law enforcement revealed that the suspect, armed with a scoped rifle, got within a few hundred yards of Trump. It is unclear how this will impact the former president’s upcoming schedule, but Trump is set to give a live talk on cryptocurrency Monday night and has campaign stops planned in Michigan and New York later in the week.

An internal campaign email obtained by AP urged staffers to remain vigilant, especially with just 50 days left in Trump’s campaign. “We can only protect America by working together as one team,” the message read.

Vice President Harris and President Biden both condemned the attack, with Harris expressing her deep concern over the escalation of political violence. President Biden added that he had instructed his team to ensure that the Secret Service has all the necessary resources to protect the former president.

After the incident, Trump reportedly checked in with key allies, including Ohio Senator JD Vance and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. House Speaker Mike Johnson also spent time with Trump, calling him “unstoppable” despite the recent threats.

Fox News host Sean Hannity spoke on-air about his conversation with Trump’s golfing partner, Steve Witkoff, who was with Trump during the incident. According to Witkoff, they were about to putt on the fifth hole when they heard gunfire. Secret Service agents immediately acted to protect Trump, shielding him from harm.

Increased Security Measures for Trump

Since the July assassination attempt, Trump’s security has been heightened. At his New York residence in Trump Tower, dump trucks are used to create barriers, and during outdoor rallies, he now speaks behind bulletproof glass. While playing golf, the course is secured by Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers in various vehicles. Sheriff Bradshaw noted that if Trump were still president, the entire golf course would have been lined with security.

Late Sunday, Trump took to social media to thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their bravery, calling them “dedicated patriots” and remarking that it was “certainly an interesting day.”

Trump is scheduled to be briefed by acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe about the ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Suspect Identified as Ryan Routh

The man in custody has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh. Routh, originally from North Carolina, had relocated to Hawaii in 2018. His social media history revealed that he had supported Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign but had since switched his allegiance to Biden and Harris. Routh reportedly spent time in Ukraine, attempting to recruit Afghan soldiers to fight against the Taliban.

The FBI is leading the investigation and working to determine Routh’s motive. Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving regular updates on the case, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is also involved in the investigation.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would conduct its own investigation, stating that the public deserves answers regarding how the suspect was able to get so close to Trump.

While no reporters were present with Trump on Sunday, the campaign’s decision to forgo a protective press pool has raised eyebrows, given the standard practice of having reporters travel with presidential candidates.

Sheriff Snyder confirmed that the suspect was apprehended within minutes, after a “be on the lookout” alert was issued by law enforcement. The suspect’s vehicle was stopped safely on I-95, leading to his immediate arrest.