Former President Donald Trump escaped unscathed following a shooting incident near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to Fox News, the Secret Service engaged a suspect who was armed with a rifle outside the golf course on Sunday.
The incident, which authorities are treating as a potential assassination attempt, resulted in the arrest of a man identified by sources as Ryan Wesley Routh. The Secret Service opened fire after observing the suspect raising his weapon, prompting a brief chase before his apprehension.
The Secret Service's swift action played a crucial role in ensuring Trump's safety. Agents fired at Routh when they spotted him attempting to aim his rifle through a chain-link fence, possibly targeting the former president. The suspect, who was equipped with a GoPro camera and two backpacks, quickly fled the scene in a black Nissan but was apprehended shortly after.
Authorities discovered the suspect's rifle in nearby bushes following the incident. The presence of additional equipment, including the camera and backpacks, has raised concerns about the potential premeditation of the attack. A law enforcement official emphasized that this did not appear to be a random occurrence.
The Secret Service confirmed their involvement in the investigation, working in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. They referred to the event as a "protective incident" involving the former president.
At the time of the incident, Trump was on the fifth hole of the golf course. His security detail promptly surrounded him and escorted him to the safety of the clubhouse. Trump later spoke with Fox News host Bret Baier, praising the Secret Service for their quick response and reassuring the public about his well-being.
Trump conveyed his message through Baier: "Tell everybody I am fine and the Secret Service did a great job."
The White House acknowledged the incident, releasing a statement confirming that both President Biden and Vice President Harris had been briefed on the situation. They expressed relief upon learning of Trump's safety and committed to receiving regular updates on the matter.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland receiving regular briefings on the situation. The Secret Service, in conjunction with local law enforcement, is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This event marks the second potential attempt on Trump's life in recent months. In July, Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of a volunteer fire department captain. The assailant in that incident was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.
As a precautionary measure, the Trump National Golf Club has been placed on lockdown. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of security protocols and gathering evidence from the scene, including items found near the fence of the golf course.
The shooting incident at Trump International Golf Club has raised serious concerns about the safety of political figures. Former President Trump emerged unharmed thanks to the quick action of the Secret Service. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended after a brief chase, and authorities are treating the case as a potential assassination attempt. The investigation is ongoing, with both local and federal agencies involved in uncovering the full details of this alarming event.
