Fox News reported that Zijie Li, a 38-year-old Chinese national living in California, is now in custody following multiple efforts to intrude into former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Zijie Li attempted several times to access the property, suggesting he had sensitive information related to a purported assassination plot against Trump.
Li’s first approach occurred on July 19, soon after a public incident where Donald Trump had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. On that day, without an invitation, he arrived at the gates, claiming he needed to deliver critical documents to Trump himself.
Despite being turned away since Trump was not present, Li did not halt his attempts. His actions escalated to the point where, on July 30, he tried entering the property again, only to be intercepted by the police. His persistence strained resources, leading to his arrest after he returned shortly thereafter.
The police report detailed an observation that Mar-a-Lago's address was visibly set on Li's GPS navigation system, which served as a significant hint at his intentions.
Zijie Li, now detained, originally argued that the documentation he carried revealed China’s involvement in the assassination attempt made on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
During this rally, assailant Thomas Matthew Crooks had managed a gunshot that wounded Trump slightly and tragically killed three supporters.
Following the July 13th incident, security measures around Trump's properties, including Mar-a-Lago, were significantly bolstered. On July 20, just a day after Li's first failed attempt, the Secret Service had already escalated its precautions, closing South Ocean Boulevard next to the estate.
With Trump due to return to Mar-a-Lago, additional security protocols such as temporary flight restrictions were enacted by August 3, reflecting the threat level perceived after the assassination attempt and subsequent security breaches.
Zijie Li communicated via a Mandarin translator during his arrest and has been given a no-contact order regarding Donald Trump and his properties. His behavior underscored the challenges of protecting high-profile individuals even after they leave office.
Zijie Li claimed that he had documents linking the Chinese government to the assassination attempt on Trump. This was part of his repeated declarations upon trying to gain entry to Mar-a-Lago.
Li claimed: "These papers show that there is a direct connection between China and the attempt on Mr. Trump's life." His assertions have yet to be authenticated by officials and agencies and remain part of ongoing investigations.
On July 22, security systems captured Li driving near Mar-a-Lago, raising local authorities' and residents' alarms. Zijie Li's actions were compounded by his disregard for previous warnings. Police records noted his inability to follow directives when he blocked a traffic lane and ignored instructions, leading to further scrutiny of his intentions. This situation could strain U.S.-China relations, depending on the investigation's outcome, and Zijie Li awaits his court appearance on August 5.
