Trump Escapes Second Assassination Attempt at Florida Golf Course

Former U.S. President Donald Trump was rushed to safety on Sunday following an assassination attempt at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This marks the second attack targeting Trump in less than two months, following a previous incident in July at a Pennsylvania rally.

Details of the Incident

The attack took place at Trump International Golf Club, located just 15 minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Secret Service agents on routine patrol noticed the muzzle of an AK-47-style rifle emerging from shrubbery near the course. Trump was approximately 300 to 500 yards away at the time.

Agents confronted the suspect, who fled the scene, leaving behind the rifle, two knapsacks, a weapon scope, and a GoPro camera. A brief chase ensued along the I-95 highway, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 38 miles from the golf course.

Suspect Information – Ryan Wesley Routh

Ryan Wesley Routh, the alleged gunman, was apprehended following the incident. While his family described him as “loving and caring,” his social media revealed support for foreign fighters in Ukraine, pro-Palestinian causes, and anti-China rhetoric. Routh also had a history of criminal offenses, including multiple felonies between 2002 and 2010 in North Carolina.

Trump’s Reaction

Trump emerged unharmed from the attack. His campaign quickly reassured the public of his safety, and Trump himself issued a statement: “I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

In a later conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump recounted how Secret Service agents shielded him and transported him in a steel-reinforced vehicle after gunfire was heard.

Law Enforcement and Political Response

The FBI, along with other law enforcement agencies, is leading the investigation into the incident. FBI spokesperson Jeffrey Veltri confirmed the deployment of crisis response teams and evidence collectors to the scene.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident, with Harris expressing concern. A bipartisan congressional task force, investigating the prior July attack, reiterated its concerns about the growing threat of political violence.

Ryan Routh is expected to appear in court at the Palm Beach County courthouse on Monday.