Breaking: Assassination Attempt on Trump at West Palm Beach Golf Course – What We Know So Far
Donald trump assassination attempt: Former President Donald Trump was swiftly moved to safety following what authorities are calling an apparent assassination attempt at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach on Sunday. The incident, labeled an attempted assassination on Trump, occurred almost two months after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left Trump injured and one supporter dead. Here’s the latest information on the Trump assassination attempt and the suspect involved, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh.
Attempted Assassination Of Donald Trump – How the Suspect Was Spotted
The incident took place at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, just 15 minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. According to police, Secret Service agents were conducting their routine sweep of the course, advancing one hole ahead of the former president as he played. During their checks, an agent spotted the muzzle of a rifle sticking out from shrubbery near the course.
The rifle, initially identified by County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw as an AK-47-style weapon, was about 300-500 yards (272-557m) from Trump. The Secret Service agent immediately engaged with the suspect, forcing him to flee the scene.
How the Suspect Was Caught
Secret Service agents fired four to five rounds at the fleeing gunman, who dropped his rifle before escaping in a vehicle. The suspect left behind two knapsacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera at the scene. A witness captured a photo of the suspect as he fled in a black Nissan, which was crucial in leading law enforcement to the vehicle.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended 38 miles from the golf course while driving northbound on I-95. Multiple law enforcement sources confirmed his identity.
Who is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Details on Ryan Routh are still emerging. His son, Oran Routh, described him as a “loving and caring father” in a statement to CNN, expressing disbelief over his father’s involvement in such a violent incident. Routh’s social media reveals his support for foreign fighters heading to Ukraine to combat Russian forces. His posts also contained anti-China messages and conspiracy theories about Covid-19 being a form of biological warfare.
Reports suggest that Routh, who lacks any formal military experience, was involved in recruiting soldiers for Ukraine, a mission he described on social media as recently as this summer. Routh also has a criminal record in North Carolina, with felony convictions including weapons charges and resisting arrest.
Trump’s Condition After the Incident
Former President Donald Trump was unharmed in the attempted assassination. Shortly after the incident, Trump issued a statement to his supporters, confirming his safety: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but I AM SAFE AND WELL.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity later provided additional details, explaining how Trump heard gunshots and was swiftly surrounded by Secret Service agents before being whisked away to safety in a steel-reinforced vehicle.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The FBI, in coordination with the Secret Service and local authorities, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump. FBI officials have mobilized crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and other resources to aid in the investigation. Ryan Routh is expected to make his first court appearance at the Palm Beach County courthouse near Mar-a-Lago.
Leaders from both political parties have expressed concern over the rise of political violence in the U.S., emphasizing the need to address such threats to democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the Democratic presidential candidate, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed but voiced deep concern over the escalating violence.
As more details emerge about this Trump assassination attempt, authorities continue to investigate the motivations behind the attack and how future threats can be mitigated.