Former President Donald Trump was unharmed after Secret Service agents engaged with a suspect pointing a high-powered rifle at the Florida golf course where Trump was golfing. The suspect fled but was later taken into custody. The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the incident as an attempted assassination of former President Trump. Law enforcement officials confirmed that members of Trump’s U.S. Secret Service detail opened fire at the armed suspect after spotting him near the golf course. The suspect’s name is Ryan Wesley Routh, and he had previous encounters with law enforcement, according to court documents, with no determined motive at this time.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw commended the Secret Service for their actions in handling the situation, as Trump was about 300-500 yards away from the man with the gun. Law enforcement found an AK47-style rifle with a scope, ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera in the bushes at the scene. The suspect’s social media posts indicated criticism of Trump and involvement in various political discussions, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Routh had a history of legal troubles dating back to the 1990s, including charges of possession of a weapon of mass destruction and misdemeanors like hit-and-run offenses and resisting arrest.
Trump, the White House, and other leaders responded to the incident, with Trump thanking the Secret Service for their response and joking about wishing he could have finished his round of golf. Trump later reassured his supporters that he was safe and well after the gunshots in his vicinity. In a message to his followers, Trump expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in keeping him safe. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that she was glad Trump was safe and condemned violence in America. Several political figures, including Sen. JD Vance and Sen. Lindsey Graham, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and shared their conversations with him.
The incident prompted responses from leaders like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who called for transparency in the investigations into the assassination attempt. DeSantis announced that Florida would conduct its own investigation into the incident to determine how the suspect was able to get within 500 yards of Trump. The incident occurred two months after a previous assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, resulting in injuries to Trump and other attendees. The latest incident raised concerns about political violence in the country and the need to hold those responsible accountable.
As the investigation unfolded, details emerged about the suspect’s background, political views, and previous encounters with law enforcement. Social media posts and online profiles linked to the suspect revealed his political activism, involvement in the Ukraine war, and criticisms of President Trump. The incident highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the country and the security risks faced by public figures like former President Trump. The swift response of law enforcement and Secret Service agents prevented any harm to Trump, but it raised questions about the security measures in place for public figures. Overall, the incident underscored the ongoing challenges related to political extremism and violence in America.
