Bodycam Footage Reveals Arrest of Man Linked to Trump Golf Course Incident
A gunman was discovered hiding in bushes for nearly 12 hours prior to Donald Trump’s unplanned visit to play golf at his beachfront club in Florida, raising alarm among locals as authorities confirmed this marks the second suspected assassination attempt against the former president in just a couple of months.
On a hot and cloudy Sunday afternoon, Trump arrived at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, accompanied by prominent real estate developer Steve Witkoff. It was around 1:31 PM EDT when a member of Trump’s security detail sighted a rifle peeking out from the foliage near the sixth hole of the course, which is close to busy roads adjacent to Palm Beach International Airport.
Trump was evacuated safely and later recounted that he heard several shots fired nearby. A quick-thinking agent from his Secret Service detail returned fire in the direction of the suspect, who was between 300 and 500 yards away with limited visibility.
The suspect had reportedly been hiding since 1:30 AM local time in the well-manicured shrubbery that borders the golf course. At that time, mobile phone records indicated his location. He was armed with an SKS-style semi-automatic rifle, equipped with a scope and additional supplies.
While Trump’s previous campaign event took place in Utah the night before, residents noted that Trump frequently visits this West Palm Beach club on Sundays. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe acknowledged that the visit was unexpected, requiring their team to implement a security plan on short notice.
The incident has raised pressing concerns among Palm Beach residents. Questions persist about whether the suspect anticipated Trump’s arrival or simply lucked into the moment. The gunman ultimately abandoned his belongings and fled the scene in a Nissan vehicle. A witness managed to capture the license plate and relay it to authorities, which led to the suspect’s swift apprehension.
The individual, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh, appeared calm during his arrest, which was captured on bodycam footage. Routh has been charged with multiple firearm-related offenses, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His criminal history includes previous encounters with law enforcement dating back to 2019.
Despite the motive for his actions remaining unclear, Routh has previously expressed mixed sentiments about Trump, having once supported him in the 2016 election.
Security has been significantly heightened around the golf course since the incident, with barricades, police cars, and officers stationed at numerous locations. The unsettling nature of this incident has left the community in shock, with residents expressing concerns about the adequacy of security protocols at the golf course.
Some locals are questioning how the suspect could remain undetected for so long. Officials state that security measures will be closely evaluated moving forward, particularly in light of previous threats against the former president.
As calls grow for enhanced protection for Trump, many believe that his security detail must adapt to the escalating risks posed by individuals seeking to harm him. Observers note that the balance between providing security while allowing Trump to engage with the public remains a contentious issue, particularly as the campaign season heats up.
In a fundraising email following the incident, Trump reaffirmed his determination, stating, “My resolve is only stronger after another attempt on my life!” This strong sentiment reflects Trump’s unwavering intention to maintain a presence on the campaign trail as he seeks voter support in the approaching election.
