Former President Donald Trump praised an unnamed woman for her bravery after she tailed an alleged gunman who attempted to carry out an assassination plot against him at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. In his first public appearance since the incident, Trump described the motorist as “amazing,” crediting her quick actions for leading to the suspect’s swift arrest.
During a town hall event in Flint, Michigan, Trump recounted how the woman noticed the man running suspiciously toward his vehicle. “She saw something in this guy that was bad,” he said, explaining that she followed him, capturing images of his license plate. “Seriously, who would do that?” Trump remarked, emphasizing her remarkable intuition and courage.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested less than an hour after fleeing the scene in a black Nissan SUV. Trump was playing golf at the time of the incident, approximately 300 to 500 yards away, when Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from the shrubbery, prompting a rapid response to ensure his safety.
Following the incident, Trump thanked the Secret Service for their vigilance and highlighted the woman’s role in providing crucial information to authorities. “Women are smarter than men,” he added, expressing a desire to meet her.
Routh faces charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt on Trump in recent months, raising concerns over his safety during the 2024 presidential campaign.
