Former President Donald Trump has been confirmed safe by the FBI after what is being investigated as an attempted assassination while he was playing golf, just two months following another assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The incident occurred at one of his Florida golf courses in West Palm Beach when a man was observed pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope at Trump. Secret Service agents protecting Trump swiftly responded by firing at the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, subsequently dropped the weapon, fled in a vehicle, and was apprehended in a neighboring county. Routh has a past conviction in 2002 for possessing a mass destruction weapon, as per North Carolina Department of Adult Correction records. The motive behind the attempted assassination remains unclear.
The gunman was positioned about 400 to 500 yards away from Trump, concealed in shrubbery at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, as explained by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Security personnel acknowledged that Trump’s security detail is heightened due to his visibility and presidential run aspirations, with security being particularly cautious after a previous threat on Trump’s life from Iran just days before the Pennsylvania incident.
Trump reassured his supporters via email that he was unharmed after the ordeal and was in good spirits, as confirmed by his associates JD Vance and Senator Lindsey Graham. Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing relief over Trump’s safety, emphasized that violence has no place in America. President Joe Biden’s administration, likewise, pledged to stay informed and updated on the investigation.
Looking ahead, Trump has not altered his schedule and is scheduled to address the public from his Mar-a-Lago resort to introduce his sons’ crypto platform. Additionally, Congressional leaders heading an investigation into the previous assassination attempt have requested a briefing from the Secret Service, echoing concerns over political violence and emphasizing condemnation of such acts. Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz has conveyed intentions to seek further clarity on the recent events.
