Gunshots were reported in the vicinity of former President Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon at his West Palm Beach golf club in Florida. Despite the alarming incident, Trump is safe and unharmed. U.S. Secret Service agents took action by opening fire after spotting a person with a firearm near the golf club while Trump was golfing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh by three law enforcement officials, fled the scene in an SUV but was later apprehended by local law enforcement. The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into the matter, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. This incident comes just two months after Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear.
Trump’s campaign leaders praised the Secret Service for their prompt and effective response in keeping the former president safe. In an email to campaign staff, senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles commended the Secret Service for their actions and emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and situational awareness.
The bipartisan task force in Congress, which has been investigating the previous assassination attempt on Trump, expressed concern over the Florida incident and requested a briefing from the Secret Service. Representatives Mike Kelly and Jason Crow reiterated their commitment to condemning political violence in all its forms.
Fox News host Sean Hannity, a close friend of Trump, shared details of the incident after speaking with Trump and his golf partner, Steve Witkoff. According to Hannity, Secret Service agents swiftly reacted to the gunshots, protecting Trump from harm.
While the impact of the incident on Trump’s campaign schedule remains unclear, he was scheduled to speak about cryptocurrency in Florida and participate in events in Michigan and New York in the coming days. The former president had recently returned from a West Coast trip that included a rally in Las Vegas and a fundraiser in Utah.
Political figures from both parties, including Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expressed relief that Trump was safe and condemned the act of violence. Republican leaders like Senator Rick Scott and Representative Elise Stefanik called for a thorough investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for the perpetrator.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County praised the Secret Service for their swift response, highlighting the importance of their actions in ensuring Trump’s safety. Former presidents receive lifelong Secret Service protection, with security measures tailored to their level of threat and exposure.
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, reassured the public that Trump was in good spirits following the incident and emphasized that there were still many unanswered questions surrounding the event. State Attorney Dave Aronberg indicated that the suspect would face charges at the state level and potentially federal charges as well.
Law enforcement officials provided additional details about the incident, including the recovery of an AK-style firearm near the golf course and the arrest of the suspect in a neighboring county. The FBI confirmed that they were investigating the incident as an attempted assassination of Trump.
In a statement to supporters, Trump reassured them of his safety and resilience, vowing to persevere in the face of adversity. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the apprehension of a suspect believed to be connected to the shooting, providing further details on the arrest.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the incident and would receive updates on the investigation. Law enforcement officials continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, working to determine the motive behind the apparent assassination attempt on Trump.
Overall, the incident at Trump’s golf club in Florida has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of public figures. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focused on ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.