Former President Donald Trump emerged unscathed following a security incident involving gunfire near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024.
According to Fox News, the Secret Service exchanged fire with an armed individual outside the club, prompting an investigation into what authorities are treating as a potential assassination attempt.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. when Secret Service agents fired at a man identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, who was allegedly carrying an AK-47 rifle. Routh was reportedly seen attempting to aim the weapon through a chain-link fence surrounding the golf course where Trump was playing at the time.
Secret Service agents acted quickly upon noticing the suspect raising his weapon. They opened fire, causing Routh to flee the scene in a black Nissan. However, law enforcement swiftly apprehended him following a brief pursuit.
The incident unfolded while Trump was on the fifth hole of the golf course. His protective detail immediately surrounded him and escorted him to the safety of the clubhouse. This rapid response potentially prevented a more serious outcome.
Authorities recovered the suspect's rifle from nearby bushes. Sources indicate that Routh was also in possession of a GoPro camera and two backpacks at the time of the incident, raising further questions about his intentions.
Law enforcement officials are treating this case with utmost seriousness, viewing it as a possible assassination attempt rather than a random occurrence. The Secret Service is working in close collaboration with local authorities to investigate the situation thoroughly.
The White House acknowledged the incident, issuing a statement that both President Biden and Vice President Harris had been briefed on the matter. They expressed relief upon learning of Trump's safety and are receiving regular updates from their team.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been briefed on the situation and is being kept informed of developments as the investigation progresses. The incident has prompted heightened security measures, with Trump National Golf Club placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
Despite the alarming nature of the event, Trump remained composed. He spoke with Fox News host Bret Baier, praising the Secret Service for their quick action and reassuring the public of his well-being. Trump stated: "Tell everybody I am fine and the Secret Service did a great job."
This incident marks the second potential threat to Trump's life in recent months. On July 13, 2024, an assassination attempt occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in Trump being shot in the ear and the tragic death of a volunteer fire department captain.
The proximity of these two events has raised concerns about the former president's security and the ongoing challenges faced by his protective detail. It also highlights the volatile political climate surrounding high-profile political figures in the United States.
Former President Donald Trump escaped unharmed from a security incident involving gunfire near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Secret Service engaged an armed suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, who allegedly attempted to aim a rifle at Trump through a fence. The incident is being investigated as a potential assassination attempt, coming just two months after a previous attack on Trump during a rally. Trump praised the Secret Service for their swift action, while officials at various levels of government have been briefed on the situation.
