The FBI is investigating an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump after a man armed with an AK-style rifle was spotted near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday.
The Associated Press reports, citing three law enforcement sources, that the suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh.
Trump, who was playing golf with longtime friend and adviser Steve Witkoff, was unharmed and quickly moved to safety. This is the second apparent assassination attempt on Trump’s life in the past nine weeks.
What happened Sunday, according to authorities
At a press conference Sunday, officials said U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire after spotting a suspect near the golf course’s perimeter. It remains unclear if the person fired shots before fleeing in the SUV. The suspect was taken into custody in a neighboring municipality.
Authorities say the incident happened shortly before 2 p.m. ET. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the suspect, armed with an AK-style rifle, was about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, hiding in the brush near the track’s perimeter.
Agents fired shots after the suspect stuck the muzzle of his firearm through the fence. The suspect fled in a vehicle but was quickly apprehended on I-95 in Martin County north of Palm Beach.
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said the suspect was unarmed at the time of the arrest.
A witness helped authorities track down the suspect
Bradshaw said a witness saw the man fleeing through the bushes on the golf course. A witness took a picture of the suspect’s black Nissan, and a license plate reader spotted the vehicle, which was caught by police a short time later.
The FBI is calling it another apparent “assassination attempt” on Trump’s life
The FBI has confirmed that it is investigating the case as a possible assassination attempt. Law enforcement recovered an AK-style rifle at the scene and are processing other items found at the scene, including two backpacks and a GoPro camera.
The motive for the attack is still unclear.
Trump replies: ‘I’M SAFE AND I CAN!’
After Sunday’s incident, Trump stayed at the club for several hours as Secret Service agents checked security at his Mar-a-Lago before he returned safely, according to law enforcement officials.
Trump sent an email to his supporters: “There were shots fired near me, but before the rumors get out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND I CAN!
He added: “Nothing is slowing me down. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!”
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, said on social media that the former president is “in good spirits.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden were also told about the situation. “I’m glad he’s safe,” Harris said on social media. “Violence has no place in America.”
This is the second apparent assassination attempt against Trump in months
In July, he was hit by a bullet during an assassination attempt at a protest in Butler, Pa. Since that attack, authorities have stepped up security around Trump, especially in open spaces such as golf courses that are open to the public and frequented. near busy areas.
Cover thumbnail via Alex Brandon/AP
