PALM BEACH, Fla. — In a recent conversation at his Mar-a-Lago office, Donald Trump recounted the distressing events that unfolded at his West Palm Beach golf club following a second assassination attempt. The walls of his office are adorned with family portraits and images from his presidency, including a memorable meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and Kim Jong Un. Trump detailed how a Secret Service agent identified an assault rifle protruding from the bushes about 400 yards away while he was playing on the fifth hole of the course.
Unlike previous incidents that have been captured on video, there is no footage of this latest event. Trump took the opportunity to describe what transpired. He explained, “I was playing normally when we heard bullets. The shots came from the Secret Service agent who acted immediately, spotting the man in the bushes with the weapon.” The assailant was apprehended and is currently being interrogated, with Trump acknowledging the swift actions of the Secret Service agents for preventing any potential harm.
When questioned about whether agents tackled the assailant as they had in a previous incident in Pennsylvania, Trump clarified, “We opted to move away quickly in golf carts instead.” He commended the agents for their professionalism and efficiency during a tense situation.
Despite enduring two assassination attempts within just nine weeks, Trump asserted that such threats have not impacted him significantly. “I try not to dwell on it, but this second attempt was more violent,” he remarked, stressing that the assailant posed a genuine threat.
Trump attributed some of the hostility directed at him to the divisive rhetoric from Democrats, stating that such language stirs anger among various groups. He noted, “I believe this rhetoric is dangerous, not just for Democrats but for everyone.” He expressed gratitude towards Democratic lawmakers who are treating the investigations into the assassination attempts seriously, emphasizing a rare bipartisan concern for the issue.
During our interview, Trump was notified that Ronald Rowe, the acting head of the Secret Service, was seeking to meet him. After a brief exchange with Rowe, Trump also reached out to the family of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter killed in the Pennsylvania incident, highlighting his awareness of the broader implications of these events.
Trump reflected that the hostile rhetoric from certain quarters could incite individuals with unstable mental health, ultimately leading to violence. He emphasized the need for responsible discourse to mitigate such risks.
As I broached the topic of the upcoming election and its key swing voters, Trump maintained confidence in his chances. He pointed to his past successes, including tax cuts and robust economic performance before the pandemic, asserting that voters are likely to support his policies. In closing, he expressed a belief that his appeal remains intact among those who appreciate his previous administration’s achievements, regardless of their personal sentiments toward him.