The FBI is investigating a suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump after a man carrying an AK-style rifle was spotted near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was taken into custody in nearby Martin County after fleeing the scene. He made his initial appearance in federal court Monday morning and was charged with federal weapons offenses, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Additional, more serious charges are likely to follow as federal prosecutors seek to file charges.
Trump, who was golfing with his longtime friend and adviser Steve Witkoff, was unharmed and quickly taken to a secure location. This is the second apparent assassination attempt on Trump in the past nine weeks.
President Biden told reporters at the White House on Monday that he was grateful the former president was safe. Biden added that the Secret Service “needs more help” and urged Congress to address the agency’s needs.
What happened on Sunday, according to authorities
During a news conference on Sunday, officials said U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire after spotting the suspect near the golf course perimeter. It was unclear whether the person fired any shots before fleeing in an SUV. The suspect was taken into custody in a neighboring county.
The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. ET, authorities said. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the suspect, armed with an AK-style rifle, was about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, hidden in brush that lines the course, just a few holes ahead of Trump.
Witness helped authorities track down suspect
The suspect fled in a vehicle but was quickly apprehended on I-95 in Martin County, north of Palm Beach.
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said the suspect was unarmed at the time of his arrest. Bradshaw said a witness saw a man fleeing from the golf course’s brush. The witness took a photo of the suspect’s black Nissan, and a license plate reader spotted the vehicle.
FBI calls it another attempted assassination of Trump
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident as a possible assassination attempt. Law enforcement officials have recovered the AK-style rifle from the scene and are processing additional items found at the scene, including two backpacks and a GoPro camera.
The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Trump responds: ‘I’M SAFE AND WELL!’
After Sunday’s incident, Trump remained at the club for several hours while Secret Service agents checked security at his Mar-a-Lago residence before returning safely, police said.
Trump emailed his supporters: “There were gunshots in my neighborhood, but before the rumors get out of hand, I want you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”
He added: “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, said on social media that the former president is “in good spirits.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity said on the radio that he spoke with Trump and Witkoff after Sunday’s incident. According to Hannity, the two were golfing on the fifth hole when they heard “pop, pop, pop, pop.” Witkoff said that within seconds, Secret Service agents “swooped in” and “covered” Trump.
According to Hannity, Witkoff said that after Secret Service agents came to protect him, Trump thanked them all individually before saying, “’I was tied. It was the fifth hole. I had a birdie putt. I really wanted to finish the hole.’ So classic Trump, if you ask me.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “glad” Trump was safe. “Violence has no place in America,” she posted on X.
In a statement from the White House, President Biden praised the work of law enforcement agencies in protecting Trump and said he was “relieved” that Trump was unharmed. “As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has all the resources, capabilities, and protective measures necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” Biden’s statement said.
Questions about security
On July 13, Trump was struck by a bullet during an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One rally attendee was killed and two others were wounded. The Secret Service killed the gunman, identified as a 20-year-old who climbed onto the roof of a nearby building.
A bipartisan House task force investigating the July assassination attempt this week requested a briefing from the Secret Service on Sunday’s suspected assassination attempt.
“The Task Force is monitoring the attempted assassination of former President Trump in West Palm Beach this afternoon. We have requested a briefing from the U.S. Secret Service on what occurred and how security responded,” said Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado.
The Secret Service came under fire after that attack. The agency acknowledged that it had denied several requests from Trump’s team for increased security at its events in the years leading up to the latest incident. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid criticism of the agency’s handling of Trump’s security.
Since July, authorities have tightened security around Trump. But because Trump is not the current president, the entire golf course was unsecured — and an agent cleared the course just one hole before Trump, Bradshaw said. “If he [the president]”We would have surrounded this entire golf course. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible,” he continued.
“They provided exactly the protection that was needed and their agent did a fantastic job,” Bradshaw added.
Thumbnail photo on cover via Alex Brandon/AP
