The FBI is investigating what it termed as an assassination attempt at Republican Nominee Donald Trump at his Palm Beach golf course in Florida.
This is the second attempt at Trump’s life in just two months, with a family member saying “Trump is running out of lives”.
Here is what we know so far.
What Donald Trump injured in the shooting?
Trump was not harmed during the incident. The former president was golfing approximately 300 to 500 yards away from the shooter when the shots were fired.
Secret Service agents quickly moved him inside the club as they returned fire. Trump’s campaign has since issued a statement confirming his safety, adding that he is unharmed following the shooting. They have called on security agencies to act fast to ensure the safety of the Republican nominee.
Has the shooter been identified?
The shooter, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted by Secret Service agents with a rifle at the fence line of Trump International Golf Club. A Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel sticking out in the bushes along the perimeter of the golf course and immediately engaged the person.
Routh attempted to flee the scene in a black Nissan but was apprehended on Interstate 95 in Martin County. According to reports, the suspect was found with an AK-47-style rifle and had been attempting to film the event with a GoPro camera attached to his backpack.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said his office was informed of the incident at 1.30 p.m. ET. We are able to catch a witness that came to us and said, ‘Hey, I saw the guy running out of the bushes, he jumped into a black Nissan and I took a picture of the vehicle and the tag,” Bradshaw said
Has the Shooter Been Arrested?
The Palm Beach County Sheriff confirmed that Routh was arrested shortly after the shooting attempt. He had fled but was detained by local law enforcement.
The FBI is currently investigating the incident as an attempted assassination. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that the gunman’s gear indicated a planned attack, as his backpacks had suspicious items. Officials found an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks and had ceramic tiles inside, and a GoPro camera.
What the Security Agencies Are Saying
The FBI has labeled the incident as an assassination attempt on the former President. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting the former president, immediately jumped into action when they noticed the suspect aiming through the fence.
Palm Beach County law enforcement is working with the federal authorities to investigate the incident. A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed that they are treating the situation with utmost seriousness and are currently processing evidence from the scene.
Ronald Rowe, acting director of the US Secret Service, is traveling to Florida after the incident to help with the investigations.
Reaction from Political Leaders
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the security incident, and have condemned the incident.
Biden released a statement expressing relief that Trump was unharmed and reaffirming that every resource would be made available to the Secret Service to protect the former president.
“There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” Biden said in a statement Sunday evening.
Harris echoed similar sentiments, condemning political violence and calling for action to prevent further attacks.
“I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America,” Harris wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Increased Concerns over Trump’s Security
Sunday’s security incident is the second attempt on Donald Trump’s life in two months, following an earlier assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. With the 2024 U.S. presidential election fast approaching, security around Trump has become a growing concern.
Although Trump is not the sitting president, his campaign team has urged staff to remain vigilant, and there are discussions about increasing his security detail during public appearances.