Former US president Donald Trump has survived what the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) called an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida gold club on Sunday.
The incident marks the second time in two months that Trump’s life has been reportedly targeted, raising questions about the security measures surrounding the former president.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident. Trump, who was playing golf at the time, was unharmed, according to a statement from his campaign.
Secret Service engages armed suspect
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired by Secret Service agents, who had spotted a man with a rifle near the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that the Secret Service opened fire after an agent noticed a rifle barrel sticking out from the bushes near the fence line of the golf course.
The agent, part of a team that stays ahead of Trump during his rounds, saw the weapon around 1:30 PM ET.
“The person was 300 to 500 yards away from Trump,” Bradshaw said. Secret Service personnel immediately engaged the suspect, who was later identified as 36-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh.
The individual was detained by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, which is located north of Palm Beach.
David Aronberg, State Attorney for Palm Beach County, noted that Routh remained silent upon his arrest.
“He knew enough to stay silent. He did not speak to officers, but remained calm, as though he had experience dealing with law enforcement,” Aronberg told CNN.
Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh
According to law enforcement sources cited by CNN, Routh, a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, has a history of political engagement.
His social media activity reveals a mix of criticism toward Trump and strong support for Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Routh traveled to Kyiv, where he attended rallies and showed support for Ukrainian troops.
The FBI’s investigation has expanded globally to uncover more about Routh’s background, including his online activity, some of which involves platforms based outside the US.
Authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks containing ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera from the scene.
Trump reassures supporters of his safety
Trump was playing golf at the time of the incident, moving between the fifth and sixth holes, when the rifle was spotted by Secret Service.
Trump later reassured his supporters, saying,
“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!”
The FBI’s investigation into the assassination attempt continues, with Secret Service agents working closely with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that his state will conduct its own investigation into the incident.
The congressional task force investigating the first assassination attempt is also seeking a briefing with the Secret Service.
Rafael Barros, the Secret Service special agent in charge of the Miami field office, assured the public that Trump is safe.
“US Secret Service personnel opened fire on a gunman located near the property line,” Barros said in a statement.
Biden and Harris express concern
Following the incident, both president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris were briefed on the security breach.
Biden released a statement expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. Biden said,
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
He pledged that the Secret Service would continue to have every resource necessary to protect the former president.
Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, adding,
“I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. We must all do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”
Suspect’s past raises questions
As the investigation progresses, Routh’s background and activities have attracted significant attention.
His apparent support for Ukraine and anti-Trump political views have raised questions about the motivations behind the attempted assassination.
Routh was detained thanks to a witness who reported seeing him flee the scene in a black Nissan.
The witness provided law enforcement with a photograph of the vehicle and its license plate, aiding in the quick apprehension of the suspect.
Sheriff Bradshaw praised the witness’s actions, stating, “We are able to catch a witness that came to us and said, ‘Hey, I saw the guy running out of the bushes, he jumped into a black Nissan, and I took a picture of the vehicle and the tag,’ which was great.”
As investigators delve deeper into the case, the FBI’s global efforts may reveal more about the factors behind the plot against Trump’s life.
The heightened security measures following this latest incident underscore the continuing threats faced by the former president, even as he moves through daily activities like a round of golf.
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