PUBLISHED: 16 Sep 2024 at 08:02
Former President Donald Trump is reported safe after an alarming incident at his West Palm Beach golf course, where Secret Service officials fired upon a suspect armed with an assault rifle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is treating this as a possible assassination attempt.
This marks the second assassination attempt against the Republican presidential candidate within two months; a previous shooting at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13 left Trump wounded and resulted in the death of an attendee.
The FBI confirmed its involvement, stating, “We are investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.” The incident transpired as Trump was golfing, and the suspect was engaged at a distance estimated between 300 and 500 yards.
Law enforcement apprehended the suspect on Interstate 95, following a description provided by eyewitnesses. Authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle, along with two backpacks and a GoPro camera, from the scene.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, a Secret Service agent spotted the rifle protruding from the bushes and acted promptly, resulting in the suspect fleeing the scene. Bradshaw praised the agent’s quick thinking and highlighted that security measures were effectively in place.
Security Concerns Intensify
Trump’s security has come under scrutiny following the shooting incident in Pennsylvania, which has led to calls for revised protocols and the resignation of the Secret Service’s director.
In a shift for the U.S. presidential race, President Biden recently announced his withdrawal from the election, opening the door for Vice President Kamala Harris to compete against Trump.
During the previous rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was grazed in the ear by gunfire and was visibly shaken but defiantly raised his fist before being evacuated. No statement has been released by Trump regarding the recent incident; however, Senator Lindsey Graham reported that Trump remains in good spirits after their conversation.
The White House has also confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Harris have been briefed on the situation and expressed relief regarding Trump’s safety. “Violence has no place in America,” Harris stated in her comments on the incident.
Trump returned to Florida after a series of events on the West Coast, including a rally and fundraiser, and the golf course lies adjacent to his Mar-a-Lago resort and near Palm Beach International Airport.
