The FBI has launched an investigation into what it described as a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that occurred at his Florida golf club on Sunday.
This incident marks the second apparent threat against Trump’s life within the last two months.
According to Trump’s campaign, he was unharmed and is safe.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported at a news conference that at approximately 1:30 p.m. ET,
the Secret Service fired shots at an individual who was found with a rifle hidden in the bushes along the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club.
At the time, Trump was on the golf course, between the fifth and sixth holes.
A Secret Service agent, part of a team positioned a hole or two ahead of Trump, noticed a rifle barrel and scope protruding from the fence.
The agent then engaged the suspect, who was reportedly between 300 and 500 yards away from Trump, Bradshaw said.
The suspect fled in a vehicle but was later identified and located thanks to a witness who captured the suspect’s car and license plate.
This lead helped authorities track the vehicle traveling north on I-95 in Martin County, located north of Palm Beach.
The individual taken into custody, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh by law enforcement sources, was apprehended by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office after the witness provided critical information.
Investigators recovered an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera from the scene.
This incident comes just two months after another assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which has led to increased scrutiny of the Secret Service.
In a statement, Secret Service Special Agent Rafael Barros confirmed that Trump was unharmed and praised the quick response of the Secret Service agents.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that a state investigation into the incident will be conducted, while a congressional task force investigating the previous attempt has requested a briefing from the Secret Service.
Trump’s campaign assured the public of his safety following the incident, with Trump himself sending out a fundraising email to confirm he was “safe and well.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have both been updated on the situation and expressed relief that Trump is unharmed.
Biden emphasized that there is no place for violence in the country and committed to ensuring the Secret Service has the necessary resources for Trump’s protection.
Ohio Senator JD Vance and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham also expressed their relief and support, noting Trump’s resilience and good spirits following the ordeal.
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