Former President Donald Trump was swiftly secured after what the FBI described as an attempted assassination at his golf course in West Palm Beach on Sunday. This incident follows a recent shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania that left Trump injured and a supporter dead. Initial information is emerging about the suspect, identified by U.S. media as Ryan Routh.
The situation began at the Trump International Golf Club, located approximately 15 minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Secret Service agents, conducting routine security checks ahead of Trump’s arrival, first noticed the gunman. The suspect was observed holding a rifle, which County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw later characterized as resembling an AK-47, peeking through the surrounding foliage. At that point, Trump was said to be about 300-500 yards away from the assailant. Bradshaw noted that the agents acted promptly as one immediately confronted the rifle-wielding individual, who then fled the scene.
When the agents opened fire at the suspect, they discharged four to five rounds. The assailant abandoned his rifle along with a couple of knapsacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera as he escaped in a black Nissan. A witness managed to snap a photo of the fleeing vehicle, which helped law enforcement track down the suspect. Police arrested Routh while he was traveling north on the I-95 highway, around 38 miles from the golf course.
Information about Routh’s background is gradually being uncovered. His son, Oran, portrayed him as a caring father and expressed confusion regarding the incident, suggesting it might be exaggerated. Social media accounts associated with Routh indicate he had previously encouraged foreign fighters to aid Ukraine against Russian forces and expressed various political views, including pro-Palestinian and anti-China sentiments. Routh reportedly traveled to Ukraine to assist military recruiting efforts following Russia’s invasion and had a history of criminal charges, including carrying concealed weapons and resisting arrest.
Trump did not sustain any injuries during the event. After the incident, he reassured his supporters via a statement that he was safe. In an interview, Trump recounted hearing repeated gunshots while on the fifth hole of the golf course, leading to immediate protective actions by the Secret Service who swiftly secured him in a fortified vehicle.
The FBI, in cooperation with various law enforcement agencies, is managing the investigation into the events. FBI officials confirmed they are utilizing significant resources to address the situation. President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris were informed about the incident and expressed relief over Trump’s safety. Harris condemned the assassination attempt and stressed the growing concerns regarding political violence. The congressional task force investigating a prior assassination attempt reiterated their concern about such acts and intends to meet with the Secret Service for further details. Routh is scheduled to make his initial court appearance at the Palm Beach County courthouse.