During a news conference at the Palm Beach County Main Library on Sunday, September 15, 2024, authorities displayed photos showing an AK-47 rifle, a backpack, and a GoPro camera found on a fence outside Trump International Golf Club. These items were discovered following an apparent assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Associated Press
Former President Donald Trump was nearly the victim of another assassination attempt on Sunday afternoon while playing golf at his West Palm Beach course in Florida. According to authorities, a man armed with an assault-style rifle managed to get within 500 meters of Trump by hiding in the shrubbery along the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Club.
This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months. In July, he was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania. Sunday's event raises concerns about how the gunman was able to breach security so close to the former president, despite his protection.
Trump was playing golf with real estate developer Steve Witkoff when the alarming situation unfolded. At around 1:30 p.m., a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel protruding from bushes near a chain-link fence along the edge of the course. The agent, positioned one hole ahead of Trump, quickly alerted others, and the Secret Service opened fire. Trump was immediately escorted to safety.
The gunman fled the scene, leaving behind a high-powered rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera attached to the fence. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated, "He was intent on filming what was going on." The suspect's plans seemed well thought-out, given the short distance between the gunman and Trump.
FBI agents were spotted at the scene of the crime outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024. Getty Images
A witness reported seeing the suspect flee in a black Nissan, capturing a photo of the license plate. Using highway surveillance systems, police tracked the vehicle, located it in a neighbouring county, and apprehended the driver, who was later identified as the shooter. The FBI is investigating the case to determine if the suspect fired any shots during the incident.
Trump reassured his supporters through an email following the ordeal, saying, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He emphasized that nothing would slow him down and that he would never give up.
Reports have identified the suspect as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, an individual connected to both North Carolina and Hawaii. Routh has a criminal history, including a 2002 incident in which he barricaded himself inside a business with a machine gun. He also runs a shelter-building business and has attempted to recruit international volunteers to fight for Ukraine.
Trump, known for his controversial political stance, has frequently criticized U.S. support for Ukraine while praising Russian President Vladimir Putin. His security measures, though heightened since the July incident, still appear to have vulnerabilities, as shown by this latest close call.
As the presidential campaign continues, Trump’s security will likely face increased scrutiny. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed relief that Trump was unharmed, condemning violence in any form.
