Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while golfing at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024.
Second assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two months
According to reports, an individual armed with an AK-47-style rifle fired shots a few hundred yards away from Mr. Trump’s location on the golf course. The Secret Service immediately engaged the assailant, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.
Mr. Trump, who was between the fifth and sixth holes at the time of the incident, was immediately whisked away by Secret Service agents to a secure location.
The shooter, after discarding the weapon, attempted to flee but based on a tip from an eyewitness, he was apprehended later by local law enforcement on Interstate 95.
The suspect, now identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, is taken into custody by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Trump has confirmed that he is safe. A message from his campaign quoted him as saying, ‘I am safe, and our country will remain strong.’
This is the second attempt to assassinate Donald Trump in around two months. The former president sustained injuries on July 13 this year in Pennsylvania when a shooter tried to fire at him at a campaign rally.
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed about the incident. Political figures from both parties have called for unity and an end to political violence.
The FBI has taken over the investigation and sought more information if anyone has any. Addressing questions from the press, law enforcement officials have said that Mr. Trump is not a sitting President and has less security, but given the current incident, it would be increased.