West Palm Beach, FL — Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday while golfing at his West Palm Beach course. According to law enforcement, Secret Service agents detected a threat when they saw a man, later identified as Ryan Routh, aiming an AK-style rifle at Trump from a distance.
Routh, who had concealed himself in the bushes, fled the scene after abandoning his weapon, but was quickly apprehended following a police chase. The Secret Service confirmed that agents fired at Routh as he attempted to escape, and a rifle with a scope, along with a GoPro camera, was recovered from the scene.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, though authorities have not yet determined if Routh fired at Trump. “We are currently investigating if any shots were directed at our agents or the former president,” said Rafael Barros of the Secret Service.
Trump, who was enjoying a round of golf at his course, located near his Mar-a-Lago estate, was unharmed. His campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, confirmed Trump’s safety in a statement, and the former president himself assured his supporters in a fundraising message: “I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!”
This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in recent months. On July 13, Trump was injured by a bullet while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County described how Secret Service agents reacted swiftly upon spotting Routh. He estimated that Routh was positioned approximately 300 to 500 yards away, a distance manageable with a high-powered rifle.
The motive behind the attempted attack remains unclear. This latest event adds to the heightened security concerns surrounding both presidential candidates in the current election cycle. President Joe Biden condemned the violence, stating, “There is no place for political violence or any violence in our country,” and pledged to bolster Secret Service resources to ensure Trump’s protection.
Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief at Trump’s safety, while Trump’s supporters, including running mate J.D. Vance, voiced gratitude that a potential tragedy was averted. Vance noted, “I spoke to him before the news went public, and he was in remarkably good spirits.”
The Secret Service, under increasing scrutiny following this and the earlier Pennsylvania shooting, is facing calls for answers. Representative Elise Stefanik urged a thorough explanation of how Routh was able to get so close to Trump despite previous security lapses. “We must understand how such a serious threat was not intercepted earlier,” she said.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full details of the attack and ensuring the continued safety of high-profile individuals.
