Former President Donald Trump was unharmed in what appears to be a second assassination attempt on his life at his Florida golf club. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, is currently under investigation by the FBI. This marks the second time in two months that there has been an apparent attempt on Trump’s life.
The incident took place at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that shots were fired by the Secret Service at a man who was found with a rifle in the bushes along the perimeter of the golf club. Fortunately, Trump was safe and not harmed during the incident.
According to a source briefed on the matter, Trump was playing golf at the time of the attempted assassination, moving between holes five and six. A Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel with a scope sticking out of the fence of the golf course and immediately engaged with the individual. The agent who spotted the rifle was part of a team that stays a hole or two ahead of Trump on the course. The person with the rifle was located 300 to 500 yards away from Trump.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was detained by law enforcement officials after fleeing the scene in a car. A witness who saw the suspect running out of the bushes provided crucial information that led to the suspect’s apprehension. Routh, a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, had expressed support for Ukraine and had traveled to the country following Russia’s invasion more than two years ago.
Law enforcement sources revealed that Routh had engaged in online activity that involved platforms headquartered outside the United States. The FBI’s investigation into Routh’s background is ongoing, with the assistance of international partners to gather as much information as possible about the detained individual.
Various items, including an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks with ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera, were recovered at the scene of the incident. The holes where Trump was playing golf when the shooting occurred are located on the eastern edge of the golf course.
Following the incident, a statement from the Secret Service confirmed that Trump was safe and unharmed, thanks to the quick response of their personnel. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would conduct its own investigation into the attempted assassination. Additionally, a congressional task force investigating the first assassination attempt on Trump requested a briefing with the Secret Service in light of this recent incident.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the security incident involving Trump and expressed relief that he was safe. Both Biden and Harris condemned political violence and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals, including former presidents. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been briefed on the matter.
Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, reassured the public that the former president was in good spirits despite the harrowing incident. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, praised his strength and resolve to continue fighting for the country.
In conclusion, the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump highlights the ongoing political tensions in the country. The swift response of law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service ensured that Trump was unharmed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with a focus on the suspect’s background and motives. It serves as a reminder of the need to condemn all forms of violence and uphold the safety of individuals at all times.
