Former US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to thank people for their concerns following an alleged assassination attempt.
Shots were fired “in the vicinity” of Trump while he was golfing in Florida on Sunday, his campaign said.
According to the FBI, the incident is being investigated as “attempted murder.”
Trump thanked people for their concerns and well-wishes on his Truth Social platform.
“It was certainly an interesting day!” he wrote Sunday evening.
He then thanked the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement for the “incredible job” of keeping him safe.
“The job was done absolutely excellently. I am very proud to be an American,” he wrote.
The U.S. Secret Service had seen a gun barrel sticking out of a border fence, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told a news conference.
The suspect was about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, who was golfing at the time, he said.
The Secret Service had fired at the suspect, spokesman Rafael Barros said. Bradshaw said it was unclear whether the man had fired shots. No injuries were reported.
A suspect fled the scene but was apprehended by local police. Police found an AK-47 assault rifle with a telescopic sight and a camera in bushes at the scene, Bradshaw said.
Earlier, in a fundraising email sent shortly after the incident, Trump had said that shots had been fired in his area.
“But before the rumors spread, I want you to hear this first: I am safe and sound!” he wrote.
“Nothing will slow me down. I will never give up! I will always love you for supporting me.”
“There are no further details at this time,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a brief statement, as did Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi in a message on X.
Biden and Harris relieved Trump is safe, condemns violence
In Washington, the White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the incident.
Biden praised the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement for “their vigilance and their efforts” to protect Trump and those around him.
“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden said in a statement.
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence, or any violence, in our country. I have directed my team to ensure that the Secret Service has all the resources, capabilities, and protective measures necessary to ensure the continued safety of the former President.”
Harris said she was “deeply shocked” by the possible assassination attempt.
“As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We must all do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to further violence,” she said in a statement.
“I am grateful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance,” Harris said.
Trump’s running mate JD Vance said he spoke to him before the news was made public.
“He was, surprisingly, in good spirits. We don’t know much yet, but I will give my children an extra big hug tonight and say a little prayer of thanks,” Vance wrote on X.
On July 13, a gunman shot Trump from a nearby rooftop during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump was wounded by a bullet in his right ear and the assailant was shot dead by security forces shortly after. One man died and two others were injured at the rally.
