Former President and current Republican candidate Donald Trump is safe after what appears to be a second assassination attempt, this time while golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The FBI and Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, as Secret Service agents spotted a gunman in bushes near the course.
Gunman Spotted Near Trump’s Golf Game!
According to law enforcement, the suspect was armed with an AK-47-style rifle and was hiding about 400-500 yards from where Trump was playing.
The Secret Service quickly took action, firing at the gunman, who dropped his weapon and fled the scene in a black Nissan.
The suspect left behind two backpacks and other belongings but was later apprehended by sheriff’s deputies on I-95, about 40 miles away.
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Who Was the Suspect?
While authorities have yet to confirm details, CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old from Hawaii.
Routh reportedly has a social media presence, where he voiced strong support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. These profiles were made private shortly after the incident.
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After the incident, Trump reassured supporters with an email that said, “I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He addressed the situation to prevent rumors from spiraling out of control.
Trump’s longtime friend, Steve Witkoff, who was on the course at the time, shared with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that they heard gunshots before the Secret Service “pounced on the president and covered him.”
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A Second Attempt in Two Months
This latest assassination attempt follows another close call for Trump just two months ago when he was grazed by a bullet at a Pennsylvania rally in July.
That incident left one rally attendee dead, while the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot by a Secret Service sniper. Trump expressed gratitude for his security detail, calling them “awesome.”
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Biden and Harris Respond!
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were quickly briefed on the situation. Biden stated he would ensure the Secret Service has all the necessary resources to protect Trump, while Harris condemned the violence, saying, “Violence has no place in America.”
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Because Trump is no longer in office, the entire golf course was not cordoned off, unlike when sitting presidents play. Law enforcement officials acknowledged that security is currently limited to key areas around Trump.
This second assassination attempt brings a renewed focus on the security challenges faced by presidential candidates as the November election draws near.