FBI investigating apparent trump assassination attempt in Florida
Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI says
Donald Trump was the target of what the FBI described as “an attempted assassination” at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. This incident comes just nine weeks after the Republican presidential candidate survived a previous attempt on his life. Trump later confirmed that he was unharmed, and authorities have detained a suspect.
The U.S. Secret Service agents stationed nearby noticed the barrel of an AK-style rifle emerging from the shrubbery about 400 yards from where Trump was playing golf. One of the agents fired a shot, causing the gunman to drop his weapon and flee the scene in an SUV. The suspect left behind two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Law enforcement apprehended the man in a neighboring county shortly afterward.
This incident follows a turbulent campaign year. In July, Trump was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, just days before President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, clearing the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. The attempted assassination has raised concerns over Secret Service security, particularly after their failure to prevent the July attack.
The suspect reportedly remained calm and emotionless when stopped by law enforcement. “He never asked, ‘What is this about?’ despite the heavy presence of law enforcement and flashing blue lights,” Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said.
In an email to supporters, Trump reassured them: “There were gunshots near me, but I want you to hear it from me first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” After the incident, Trump returned to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach.
It remains unclear how this event will impact his campaign schedule. Trump was scheduled to speak about cryptocurrency on Monday night via social media and had planned stops in Michigan and Long Island later in the week.
A message to Trump’s campaign staff urged vigilance in the days leading up to the election. “As we enter the final stretch of President Trump’s campaign, we must work together as one team to save America from those who seek to destroy it.”
Both President Biden and Vice President Harris condemned the violence in separate statements. Harris expressed being “deeply disturbed” and urged unity to prevent further violence. Biden assured that he had directed his team to ensure the Secret Service had all the necessary resources to protect Trump.
Trump reached out to his allies, including running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Fox News hosts, after the incident. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he spent several hours with Trump and described him as “unstoppable.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity recounted a conversation with Trump’s golfing partner, Steve Witkoff. He described hearing “pop, pop, pop” before Secret Service agents quickly shielded Trump from harm.
Trump had returned to Florida after a campaign swing that included a rally in Las Vegas and a fundraiser in Utah. His security has been increased since the July incident, with dump trucks forming a barricade outside Trump Tower in New York and bulletproof glass shielding him at outdoor rallies.
