Former President Donald Trump has narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf course on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities have confirmed that a “potential suspect” is in custody.
According to the Secret Service, agents noticed the barrel of a rifle emerging from some bushes near the course.
Agents opened fire on the individual, later identified by media reports as Ryan Routh, though Trump was reportedly 300-500 yards away at the time.
A witness recounted seeing the suspect jump into a black Nissan after the agents fired multiple shots.
Authorities later recovered an AK-47-style weapon, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera from the scene.
The suspect’s vehicle was intercepted in Martin County after a witness provided the license plate number to authorities.
“We got a hold of Martin County Sheriff’s Office, alerted them, and they spotted the vehicle and pulled it over,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
The suspect was identified by the witness as the man who fled from the bushes.
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It is still unclear whether the suspect fired any shots. “We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents, but for sure our agents were able to engage with the suspect,” said Secret Service spokesman Rafael Barros.
Trump reassured his supporters via email, stating, “I am safe and well… Nothing will slow me down. I will never surrender!”
This incident comes just two months after a previous attempt on Trump’s life at a Pennsylvania rally, where a gunman shot at him, grazing his ear.
The Secret Service confirmed they were investigating the incident as a “protective incident” involving Trump. Sheriff Bradshaw praised the Secret Service’s quick action, stating, “The agent on the course did a fantastic job… He was able to spot the rifle barrel and immediately engage.”
Heightened security is now in place at Mar-a-Lago and Trump’s golf course.
While US media, including CBS, have named the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, from Hawaii, this information has not yet been officially confirmed by law enforcement. A news conference is expected on Monday to address the situation further.
Reports suggest Routh has a criminal history, including several charges in North Carolina between 2002 and 2010.
President Joe Biden expressed relief, stating, “I am relieved that the former president is unharmed.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump in the upcoming election, condemned the attack, saying, “I condemn political violence… I am thankful that former President Trump is safe.”
This latest security breach follows the July attack in Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire on Trump, killing one attendee before being fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper.
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