The Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida has long been a vantage point for photographers seeking to capture candid glimpses of the former president and other VIPs. However, a suspected failed assassin, Ryan Wesley Routh, was able to camp out there for nearly 12 hours with a rifle aimed at the course. He was eventually spotted by a Secret Service agent patrolling the perimeter, who opened fire and chased him off before anyone was hurt. Local authorities are now considering additional perimeter patrols as a safety upgrade for when Donald Trump visits the area.
Photographers have been known to stake out the golf course to capture images of the former president, often going through shrubs or fencing to get a good line of sight. While photographers typically announce their presence to the Secret Service and are rarely asked to leave, the recent incident has raised concerns about potential security vulnerabilities at the course. Authorities speculate that the suspect positioned himself in a remote area of the perimeter with poor sight lines, possibly to avoid encountering photographers. While Ryan Routh never had a chance to lay eyes on Trump, unlike a recent failed assassin who opened fire at a campaign rally, injuring multiple people.
Authorities acknowledge the challenges of securing the large area covered by the golf course, especially given its proximity to major highways. A former homicide detective turned private investigator pointed out that a routine K-9 sweep around the fence line should have been conducted ahead of the president’s unscheduled arrival. In addition to photographers, homeless individuals have also been caught loitering along the fence, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to announce another investigation into security at the course at the state level. Despite the FBI’s prior knowledge of Routh’s criminal history, including multiple felonies, he was able to camp out undetected with a rifle.
The FBI reported that Routh arrived at the tree line around 2 a.m. on a Sunday and remained hidden until the Secret Service agent found him over 11 hours later. He was allegedly armed with an SKS rifle with a scope, a bag of food, and a video camera. The Secret Service, despite not responding to requests for comment, was praised by the Acting Director for their quick reaction and vigilance in responding to the threat. Trump’s golf outing was off the record, and he was several hundred yards away at a different hole when the agent opened fire on Routh. Authorities were able to capture Routh with the help of an eyewitness description of him and his getaway vehicle.
The incident has highlighted the need for improved security measures at the golf course when VIPs like Trump are in attendance. The state attorney for Palm Beach County noted the potential security concerns within the course and stressed the importance of considering someone potentially scoping the perimeter as a threat. While the Secret Service has been commended for their response to the incident, there are calls for additional precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Trump’s unpredictable schedule and the high-profile nature of the golf course make it a potential target for individuals with malicious intent, underscoring the need for enhanced security protocols.
