Former President Donald Trump is reported safe following a suspected assassination attempt at his Florida golf course, with a “potential suspect” now in custody, according to US authorities.
Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel protruding from the bushes and fired at the individual. The FBI indicated that Trump was approximately 300-500 yards away from the incident.
At the scene, authorities recovered an AK-47-style firearm with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera.
A witness saw the suspect flee into a black Nissan after the agents fired multiple times.
The witness’s photograph of the vehicle and its license plate led to its interception and the suspect’s detention in Martin County.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County praised the Secret Service agent who identified the rifle barrel and engaged the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh from Hawaii, was later charged. Routh had a history of various offenses in North Carolina.
In response to the incident, Trump assured his supporters via email that he was “safe and well,” expressing his determination to continue his campaign.
This event occurred two months after another assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was injured.
The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident.
Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed, while Harris condemned political violence and praised the Secret Service and police for their vigilance.
The Secret Service is under scrutiny following this event, with Director Kimberly Cheatle resigning shortly after a similar incident in July, where a gunman targeted Trump during a speech in Pennsylvania.
