Donald Trump remains unharmed after an attempted assassination at his Florida golf club.
At a Glance
- Former President Donald Trump is safe after an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course.
- A suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, is in custody.
- Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel in bushes and opened fire.
- Trump assured supporters he is “safe and well” and vowed to continue his activities.
Attempted Assassination at Trump International Golf Club
Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club in Florida, thanks to the quick response of local law enforcement and the Secret Service. Onlookers and officials have confirmed that Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man from Hawaii, was detained by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office after Secret Service agents discovered him armed with an AK-47 and tactical gear.
This alarming event sheds light on severe security flaws. Despite the Secret Service discharging their weapons, Routh remained inexplicably calm during his arrest, underscoring the urgency for heightened alertness among law enforcement. The suspect was seen fleeing in a black Nissan car after Secret Service agents discovered a rifle barrel sticking out from the bushes.
Weapons and Tactical Gear Found
Authorities found Routh equipped with an AK-47-style firearm, scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. “Nothing will slow me down,” Trump assured his supporters, confidently proclaiming, “I will never surrender!” The incident occurred with Trump 300-500 yards away, creating a potential tragedy that was fortunately avoided. Trump’s prompt communication to his supporters emphasized his safety and determination to continue his activities.
Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh has a criminal history in North Carolina. Sheriff Snyder and the local law enforcement were praised for their rapid response. However, the incident highlighted a significant vulnerability that must be addressed urgently to prevent future threats. The FBI, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is leading the investigation into the incident at Trump’s golf club.
Political Figures React
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the incident. Harris explicitly condemned the attempted political violence, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security. “I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today,” Harris stated. “We all must do our part to ensure this incident does not lead to more violence.”
“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden said in a statement.
This shocking event follows a similar attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania, from which he sustained injuries. With increasing threats to his life, Trump’s security has seen significant enhancements, including the use of bulletproof glass at his rallies. The heavy security presence around his Mar-a-Lago property and the golf course further signifies the gravity of these threats.
Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rllnd1pypo
- https://www.kmbc.com/article/donald-trump-safe-after-gunshots-reported-in-his-vicinity/62213431
- https://nypost.com/2024/09/15/us-news/shooting-reported-at-donald-trumps-golf-club-while-ex-president-was-on-grounds/
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/15/politics/donald-trump-safe-shots/index.html
- https://www.wvtm13.com/article/donald-trump-florida-golf-club-attempted-assassination-investigation-what-we-know/62214106
- https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/live-blog/live-updates-trump-campaign-says-trump-safe-gunshots-florida-rcna171212
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/15/trump-golf-course-shooting-west-palm-beach-florida/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-gunshots-safe-florida/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5eewvy3nlo
- https://www.wpbf.com/article/suspect-in-custody-in-martin-county/62213883