Trump escapes second assassination attempt unharmed
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The FBI is currently investigating what it said is an apparent assassination attempt on Mr Donald Trump at his Florida golf club Sunday, the second time in two months there’s been a clear attempt on the former president’s life, CNN reports.
Trump is safe and was not harmed in the incident, his campaign said. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said during a news conference that his office was informed at about 1:30pm of shots fired by the Secret Service, when agents fired at a man who had a rifle in the bushes along the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Club.
The former president was enjoying a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course, a short drive from his Mar-a-Lago residence, during a brief break from the campaign trail.
Reports indicate that the shooting occurred on the grounds of the golf course, sending shockwaves through the area.
Trump was accompanied by his Secret Service detail when the shots rang out, standard practice given his high-profile status.
The suspect fled the wooded area in a black vehicle but was quickly located and detained by law enforcement agencies, according to officials.
A backpack, high-definition camera, firearm scope and an “AK-47-style rifle” were recovered from the scene, officials said.
“I would imagine the next time [Trump] comes on a golf course, there will probably be … more people around the perimeter,” Bradshaw told reporters.
“But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done. They provided exactly what the protection should have been, and their agents did a fantastic job.”
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US media named the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, quoting law enforcement officials.
According to CNN and CBS, Routh was a self-employed affordable housing builder in Hawaii who regularly posted on politics and current events, including sometimes criticising Trump.
Public access to the suspect’s Facebook and X profiles was removed hours after the shooting, but he was reportedly active in calling for support for Ukraine in its efforts to defend against Russia’s invasion.
The White House released a statement shortly afterward, revealing that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed. “They are relieved to know that he is safe,” the statement declared.
