Former President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course, with a suspect now in custody, according to US authorities.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Secret Service agents, who were conducting routine security checks, spotted the barrel of a rifle protruding from some bushes. They responded by opening fire, though Trump was reported to be 300-500 yards away from the shooter at the time.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County confirmed that the agents acted swiftly upon seeing the rifle barrel. “The Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job,” Bradshaw said. He explained that the agent, positioned one hole ahead of Trump, was able to identify and engage the suspect before the shooter fled.
A witness to the event reported seeing the suspect run from the bushes and jump into a black Nissan car. The witness captured a photograph of the vehicle and its license plate, which led authorities to locate and stop the car later in Martin County. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh from Hawaii, was detained after being recognized by the witness.
At the scene, law enforcement officials recovered an AK-47-style rifle, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. The FBI, Secret Service, and local sheriff’s offices are collaborating on the investigation. Routh, who has a social media presence indicating extremist views and calls for foreign fighters to join the battle in Ukraine, remains a person of interest.
In an email to his supporters, Trump assured them of his safety, stating, “Nothing will slow me down. I will never surrender!” This incident comes just two months after another assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was injured by a gunshot at a campaign rally. The previous attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service sniper during that event.
The White House, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, has been briefed on the situation and expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. Harris condemned the violence, stating, “Violence has no place in America.”
Security measures around Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property and golf course have been heightened in response to the incident. The Secret Service continues to face scrutiny over their protective measures following previous security lapses, including the resignation of agency director Kimberly Cheatle after the Butler incident.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of all involved.
