Palm Beach, Florida: Former President Donald Trump has confirmed he is ‘safe and well’ following an attempted assassination at his Florida golf course, which the FBI is now investigating. The incident occurred when a Secret Service agent noticed an AK-47-style weapon protruding from bushes ahead of where Trump was playing. The agent quickly engaged the suspect.
The witnesses states that, the suspect fled the scene in a black Nissan but was soon apprehended by local authorities. A sheriff pulled the vehicle over, leading to the arrest of the potential suspect. Law enforcement later discovered a cache of items in the shrubs near the course’s edge, including a weapon with a scope, backpacks, and a GoPro camera.
The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, reportedly in his late 50s. According to the reports, Routh had a history of involvement in organizing efforts to send foreign fighters to Ukraine to combat Russian forces, a detail revealed through his social media presence.
Trump was reportedly unharmed and will continue with his schedule as planned for the next 2 days. No official statement has been made by the former president or his spokesperson regarding the incident.
I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris released an extended statement regarding the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, expressing her relief and gratitude that the former president is unharmed.
Harris said that, “I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our Administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission.”
US President Joe Biden also commented on the situation that, “I am relieved that the former president is unharmed, As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
Earlier this year, Trump was the target of an attempted murder during a public speech. While addressing the audience on stage, Trump was shot in the ear by an assailant. The bullet grazed his ear, causing minor injuries. Security swiftly neutralized the threat, and the suspect was arrested at the scene.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident as the nation remains on high alert following this second assassination attempt on Trump in recent months.
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