On Sunday, a man armed with an AK-style rifle aimed his weapon at Donald Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while the former president was on the course. The U.S. Secret Service responded by opening fire. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed, and the FBI is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination of the Republican presidential candidate.
The suspect, who abandoned his weapon and fled in an SUV, was apprehended in a neighboring county. An AK-style firearm was found at the scene near Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, but no injuries were reported.
This incident adds to a tumultuous campaign year. It comes roughly two months after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, where he was grazed by a bullet. Shortly after, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
During Trump’s round of golf, the course was partially closed off for his safety. Secret Service agents, who secure the area ahead and behind him, noticed the armed individual a few holes ahead. An armored vehicle is typically on-site to provide immediate protection if needed.
Trump had returned to Florida from a West Coast tour that included a Las Vegas rally and a fundraiser in Utah. His Sunday plans were not publicly disclosed by his campaign. Trump usually spends his mornings golfing and then having lunch at one of his three Florida clubs.
Following the July assassination attempt, Trump’s security measures have been heightened, including the use of dump trucks to block Trump Tower’s entrance and bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies. After the incident, Trump was safely returned to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.
The White House stated that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed and relieved that Trump was safe. Harris condemned the violence, emphasizing that it has no place in America.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, reported that Trump was in “good spirits” after the incident. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder detailed how the suspect was quickly apprehended following a “very urgent BOLO” (be on the lookout) alert. Deputies intercepted the suspect’s vehicle on I-95, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving regular updates on the situation. The suspect was apprehended near Palm City, Florida, about 45 miles north of the golf course, leading to a temporary closure of northbound lanes on I-95.
Eyewitness Max Egusquiza described the emergency response, noting a significant police presence. Trump is scheduled to speak about cryptocurrency on social media Monday night and will resume his campaign activities on Tuesday in Flint, Michigan, followed by a rally in Long Island, New York, on Wednesday. Later in the week, he will attend the Israeli-American Council National Summit in Washington, D.C., and hold a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina.
