The FBI reported that Donald Trump was the target of an alleged assassination attempt while he was at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. This incident occurred just nine weeks after another attempt on his life, during which he was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump confirmed he was unharmed and safe following the incident.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed that Secret Service agents shot at a man armed with an AK-style rifle, who was reportedly hiding in shrubbery about 400 to 500 yards away from Trump on the course. This individual left behind the weapon and fled in an SUV, but he was apprehended in a nearby county shortly afterward.
This unsettling event aligns with a turbulent campaign season for Trump. Earlier, a bullet grazed his ear during the previous assassination attempt, which preceded President Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the race.
In a message to his supporters, Trump reassured them of his safety, stating, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but… I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He emphasized that he would not back down and would never surrender.
As the incident unfolded, the golf course had been partially closed off for Trump, with agents monitoring the area several holes ahead. Security measures typically include an armored vehicle on the course for protection against potential threats. Trump had just returned from campaign events on the West Coast before this incident.
After the incident, Trump returned to his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. The White House, along with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed relief at Trump’s safety. Harris commented that “violence has no place in America.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, stated he had spoken with Trump and noted that he remained in good spirits.
The suspect was quickly apprehended after law enforcement issued a “be on the lookout” alert, detailing the vehicle and suspect description. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder mentioned that the suspect did not resist arrest and showed little emotion during the stop.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has been updated about the situation and continues to receive information. The suspect was captured near Palm City, Florida, approximately 45 miles from the golf course, and northbound lanes of I-95 were temporarily closed during the apprehension.
Witnesses described a significant police response, including multiple SUVs and police cars intervening at the golf course.
Trump is scheduled to discuss cryptocurrency on a social media platform and plans to continue his campaigning with events in Michigan, New York, and a national summit in Washington, D.C., before holding a rally in North Carolina.