Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt, suspect in custody

Outside Trump International Golf Course, West Palm Beach, September 15, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Former President Donald Trump was the target of an attempted assassination in Florida on Sunday, according to a FBI statement on September 16. Both Trump’s campaign and law enforcement have confirmed that he is safe and unharmed.

The US Secret Service reported that one or more of its agents fired at a gunman near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course. An 'AK-47-style rifle' equipped with a scope, along with a GoPro camera, was recovered at the scene. The Secret Service officers were clearing the golf course ahead of Trump's visit when they spotted a man with a gun.

Authorities did not confirm whether the gunman actually fired a weapon in the direction of the former president, but said that shots were fired by the Secret Service.

The suspect in the incident has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh, according to federal authorities. CNN reported that Routh, born in 1966, had been residing in Hawaii and had eight prior arrests for minor offenses. The political impact of the incident may depend on the details that may emerge regarding the suspect in the case.

Soon after the incident, Trump emailed supporters to declare he was safe and well. “Nothing will slow me down,” Trump said. “I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

“MY RESOLVE IS STRONGER AFTER ANOTHER ATTEMPT ON MY LIFE!” Trump added in the text to supporters.

Trump had been golfing at his West Palm Beach course, near his Mar-a-Lago residence, when the potential shooter was spotted hiding in bushes one hole ahead of Trump, according to Bradshaw.

"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity," said Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, while Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris expressed relief that her political rival was unharmed.

Trump reassured his supporters in a fundraising message on his website: "Fear not! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!"

Authorities at Sunday's press conference did not confirm whether the suspect fired directly at former President Donald Trump but did acknowledge that shots were fired by the Secret Service.

"We're uncertain if the individual was able to shoot at our agents," said Rafael Barros from the Secret Service.

The FBI has since opened an investigation into what they are calling an "attempted assassination" of Trump. Officials commended the quick response of the Secret Service, despite the agency facing criticism over an earlier incident in Pennsylvania where a gunman targeted Trump at a rally.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County explained that Secret Service personnel had spotted a rifle barrel protruding from a fence and engaged the suspect, who fled. Bradshaw estimated that the suspect was positioned between 300 and 500 yards away, adding that such a distance was not difficult for a rifle equipped with a scope.

Neighboring Martin County's Sheriff William Snyder said the suspect, now detained, displayed little emotion during his arrest. While law enforcement has launched an expansive investigation, the shooter's motive remains unclear as of Sunday afternoon.

The incident has heightened concerns during a highly polarized presidential race. President Joe Biden denounced political violence, stating that he had instructed his team to ensure the Secret Service has the necessary resources to protect the former president. "There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country," Biden stated.

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed these sentiments, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed.

"I am glad he is safe," she said on social media.

Members of Trump's circle, including his running mate JD Vance, expressed their gratitude that the former president was safe. Vance shared that he had spoken with Trump before the news broke and found him in good spirits despite the ordeal.

"I'm glad President Trump is safe," Vance wrote on microblogging site X. "I spoke to him before the news was public and he was, amazingly, in good spirits."

This incident is the second apparent assassination attempt on Trump in the past two months. On July 13, he was wounded in the ear while addressing an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

(With inputs from agencies)