Former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump narrowly escaped harm after the Secret Service thwarted what the FBI is calling an “apparent assassination attempt” on Sunday, while he was golfing at his West Palm Beach course in Florida.
The incident unfolded when Secret Service agents spotted a gunman with an assault rifle in the bushes near the property line of the course. “The suspect was seen a few hundred yards from where Trump was playing,” confirmed Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. According to law enforcement, agents fired several rounds before the gunman fled, leaving behind an AK-47-style rifle and other items. He was later apprehended in neighboring Martin County.
This is the second violent attempt on Trump’s life in two months. He sustained a minor injury at a July rally in Pennsylvania when gunfire erupted, further underscoring the challenges in protecting presidential candidates during a polarized election season.
The suspect, identified by multiple media outlets as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, from Hawaii, has a background of pro-Ukraine social media posts and has previously expressed disdain for Trump. His son, Adam, when reached in Hawaii, expressed disbelief. “It’s not something I would have thought my father capable of,” he said.
Following the Florida incident, Trump posted on social media, “I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” He also assured supporters, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
President Joe Biden responded to the attack by directing his team to ensure the Secret Service has the necessary resources to protect all presidential candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s rival in the upcoming election, condemned the violence, saying, “Violence has no place in America.”
This latest attempt raises serious questions about security arrangements for candidates, particularly Trump, whose security detail is not as extensive since he no longer holds office. “If he was [in office], we would have had the entire golf course surrounded,” Bradshaw explained.
The suspect was reportedly carrying two backpacks and other items at the scene, and a witness managed to capture a photo of his getaway vehicle, aiding authorities in his capture. The FBI declined to comment further on Routh’s motive or any connections he may have had.
As the Nov. 5 election nears, incidents like these cast a shadow over the contentious race between Trump and Harris, adding to growing concerns over national security and the safety of political figures.
