Secret Service thwarts an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a golf outing in Florida, as a pro-Ukraine suspect is named.
Former President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is safe after an alleged assassination attempt was thwarted by the Secret Service while he was golfing at his West Palm Beach course in Florida. According to law enforcement, Secret Service agents fired at a man armed with an assault rifle who was hiding in bushes near the property, just a few hundred yards from where Trump was playing.
The suspect, later identified by several media outlets as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh from Hawaii, fled the scene in a vehicle but was arrested shortly after. Authorities discovered an AK-47-style weapon and several other items abandoned by the gunman before he escaped. This incident follows another attempt on Trump’s life just two months ago, when he was shot at during a Pennsylvania campaign rally, suffering only a minor injury to his ear.
Both incidents underscore the ongoing challenges of protecting presidential candidates during a polarized and high-stakes campaign season, with just weeks remaining until the November 5 election. In a statement on social media, Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement, writing, “It was certainly an interesting day! Thanks to everyone for your concern and to the agents for keeping me safe.”
While details about Routh’s motives remain unclear, early reports suggest a pro-Ukraine link, with profiles on social media platforms showing support for Ukraine’s efforts in its war against Russia. His connection to the incident is still under investigation, though his son, when reached in Hawaii, expressed disbelief that his father would be involved in such an attack.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw addressed security concerns, noting that because Trump is no longer in office, the golf course was not fully cordoned off. “Had he been president, the entire course would have been secured,” Bradshaw explained.
The Secret Service responded swiftly when an agent spotted a rifle barrel emerging from the bushes. Agents fired four rounds at the suspect, who fled, leaving behind two backpacks and a vehicle. A witness nearby managed to capture photos of the suspect’s car and license plate, aiding authorities in their eventual capture of Routh on I-95, about 40 miles from the golf course.
Trump’s team quickly reassured supporters, sending an email vowing, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” President Joe Biden, meanwhile, released a statement, ensuring that the Secret Service has all necessary resources to maintain Trump’s safety.
Fox News host Sean Hannity, who spoke with both Trump and Steve Witkoff, a close friend of Trump who was golfing with him at the time, described the incident as terrifying. According to Hannity, both men heard multiple gunshots before the Secret Service moved in to protect Trump.
This latest assassination attempt marks another disturbing chapter in what has been a highly charged election cycle. Trump’s Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, expressed her relief that Trump was unharmed, stating, “Violence has no place in America.” Harris has risen in the polls recently after taking over as the Democratic nominee from President Biden in July, though Trump remains a strong contender in the race.
This incident follows a previous attack in Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained a minor injury, and a bystander was tragically killed during a campaign rally. That shooting raised serious security concerns, leading to the resignation of the Secret Service director at the time.
As tensions continue to rise in the final stretch before the election, security remains a top concern for both candidates, and the threat of political violence looms large in an increasingly divided nation.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved