Former President Donald Trump is safe following what the FBI says may have been an attempted assassination on Sunday. The now-candidate was playing golf in Florida. The incident occurred two months after another attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Law enforcement officials named the alleged gunman as Ryan Wesley Routh. On Sunday, Routh hid in shrubbery about 400 to 500 yards from former President Trump, according to Florida authorities. The candidate was mid-round at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
Secret Service agents stationed a few holes up from where Trump was playing noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course.
An agent fired. The gunman dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV. He left the firearm behind along with two backpacks, a scope used for aiming, and a GoPro camera, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw says. Law enforcement in a neighboring county soon stopped the SUV and took its driver into custody.
After the thwarted attack, candidate Trump wrote in an email to supporters: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”
Fox News host Sean Hannity said on air that he spoke with Mr. Trump and his golf partner, Steve Witkoff. They told Hannity they were on the fifth hole when they heard a “pop pop, pop pop.” Witkoff recounted that within seconds, Secret Service agents “pounced on” former President Trump and “covered him” to protect him.
Moments later, Witkoff says, a “fast cart” with steel reinforcement and other protection whisked the former president away.
Records show Routh, 58, has a criminal record. Routh also maintained a website for raising money and recruiting volunteers to join the fight against Russia in Ukraine.
White House officials are keeping President Biden and Vice President Harris updated on the investigation into both this incident and the previous Pennsylvania shooting. The White House added that it was “relieved” to know Mr. Trump is safe.
Vice President Harris, now the Democratic presidential nominee, posted on X: “I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. — 1 John 3:15
