Law enforcement officials responded to an apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. Trump was golfing at his course when the incident occurred, marking the second time this year he has been targeted.
In mid-July, Trump survived a gunshot wound at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This latest attempt involved a man who allegedly smuggled an AK-47 and a Go-Pro camera into the bushes on the golf course, as reported by Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., on social media.
The situation remains unclear, with conflicting reports about the gunman’s current status. It’s unknown whether he is alive or dead, in custody or not, and who fired the shots. A statement from Trump’s campaign confirmed that Trump is safe after gunshots were fired in his vicinity.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service held a press conference to brief the media. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Secret Service agent engaged the suspect, who then fled in a black Nissan. The suspect was later apprehended on I-95 in Martin County, Florida.
NBC News has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh. Reports suggest that Routh had been planning the attack for some time, with the Go-Pro camera mounted on a fence nearby.
CNN reported that Trump’s inner circle was briefed this week by intelligence officials about foreign adversaries targeting them, with a specific focus on Iranian efforts. This information, while unrelated to the West Palm Beach incident, underscores the increasing threats against Trump.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a separate state investigation into the incident, apart from the federal investigation. The U.K. Daily Mail interviewed the suspect’s son, who expressed disbelief, stating that his father is not a violent person and has never exhibited such behavior.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the situation. Biden issued a statement through the White House, while Harris took to social media to express her concern.
The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement have increased security measures around Trump, with agents traveling ahead of him to secure the area. This proactive approach likely prevented the gunman from getting closer to Trump during the golf game.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how the suspect managed to breach security protocols. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures and the possibility of inside information being leaked.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The area around Trump’s golf course remains under heightened security, with authorities advising residents to avoid the vicinity temporarily.
This latest attempt on Trump’s life highlights the persistent dangers he faces. As investigations proceed, both federal and state authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the plot and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.