The FBI has confirmed that former US President Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination at his Florida Gold Club on Sunday.
This is the second time that Trump’s life was reportedly targeted in the last two months, raising concerns about the security measures around the former president.
The FBI has opened an investigation into this incident. According to a campaign statement, Trump was not injured while playing golf.
Secret Service engages an armed suspect
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was called to respond to reports that Secret Service agents had fired shots after they spotted a man holding a rifle at the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradley explained that the Secret Service fired after an agent spotted a rifle barrel sticking from the bushes next to the fence line of a golf course.
The agent, who is part of a team which stays ahead of Trump on his rounds, saw this weapon around 1:30 PM ET.
Bradshaw stated that the person was between 300 and 500 yards from Trump. Secret Service personnel immediately engaged suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 36.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office located north of Palm Beach detained the individual.
David Aronberg is the State Attorney of Palm Beach County. He noted that Routh was silent after his arrest.
“He knew enough not to speak.” He did not talk to officers but remained calm as if he had dealt with law enforcement before,” Aronberg said on CNN.
Suspect identified as Ryan Wesley Routh
CNN cites law enforcement sources that Routh, an affordable housing builder in Hawaii who is self-employed, has a long history of political involvement.
His social media activity shows a mix between criticism of Trump and strong support for Ukraine.
Routh visited Kyiv after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He attended rallies, and showed his support for Ukrainian troops.
The FBI has expanded its investigation to include more information about Routh, including his background and online activities, some of which involve platforms outside the US.
Authorities recovered a ceramic tile backpack, an AK-47 style rifle, and a GoPro from the scene.
Trump assures his supporters of Trump’s safety
Secret Service spotted the rifle as Trump played golf between the fifth hole and the sixth hole.
Trump reassured supporters later, saying:
“There were gunshots near me, but I wanted to let you know that I am safe and well before rumors spiral out of control.”
Secret Service agents are working closely with law enforcers to continue the FBI investigation into the attempted assassination.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that his state is conducting its own investigation.
The congressional task force that is investigating the first attempt at assassination also wants to meet with the Secret Service.
Rafael Barros, Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Office, Secret Service, assured the public Trump was safe.
Barros said that “US Secret Service personnel fired on a gunman near the property boundary.”
Biden and Harris express concerns
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were informed of the security breach following the incident.
Biden released a press release expressing relief at Trump’s safety. Biden said,
“As I’ve said many times before, there is no place in our country for political violence or any violence at all.”
He promised that the Secret Service will continue to have all the resources necessary to protect the former President.
Vice President Harris added to Biden’s sentiments.
“I am deeply concerned by the possible assassination of former President Trump.” We must all do what we can to prevent this incident from escalating into more violence.
Suspect’s past raises questions
As the investigation continues, Routh’s past and activities have drawn significant attention.
His apparent support for Ukraine, and anti-Trump views have raised doubts about the motives behind the attempted murder.
A witness reported that Routh fled the scene in a Nissan black.
The witness gave law enforcement a photo of the vehicle with its license plate. This helped in the quick arrest of the suspect.
Sheriff Bradshaw praised this witness’s actions. “We were able to catch the witness who came to us, saying, ‘Hey I saw the guy running from the bushes. He jumped into a Nissan black, and I took a photo of the vehicle and tag’ which was fantastic.”
As investigators dig deeper into the case and the FBI’s efforts are globalized, they may reveal more information about the factors behind Trump’s assassination plot.
The increased security measures in response to this latest incident highlight the ongoing threats that the former president faces, even when he is engaged in daily activities such as playing a round of Golf.
This post Trump unharmed after apparent assassination at Florida golf club first appeared on The ICD
