Breaking News: Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Foiled
In a shocking turn of events, authorities have revealed that former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended after Secret Service agents shot at him as he pointed a rifle with a scope at Trump.
The incident occurred just two months after Trump survived a previous assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI is currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
Details of the Attempted Assassination
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the suspect was hiding in shrubbery about 400 to 500 yards away from Trump as he played golf. The gunman was carrying an AK-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. After being spotted by Secret Service agents, the suspect fled the scene in an SUV but was later apprehended in a neighboring county.
Trump, who was on the golf course at the time of the incident, reassured his supporters via email that he was safe and unharmed. He expressed his determination to continue his activities without fear, stating, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Security measures around Trump have been heightened since the previous assassination attempt in July. Dump trucks have been deployed outside Trump Tower in New York, and bulletproof glass enclosures are now used at outdoor rallies to protect the former president.
Political Figures React
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the situation and expressed relief that Trump is safe. Harris condemned violence, stating that it has no place in America.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, reported that the former president was in good spirits following the incident. Attorney General Merrick Garland is closely monitoring the investigation.
Upcoming Events
Despite the harrowing incident, Trump is expected to resume his public engagements. He is scheduled to speak about cryptocurrency on social media and return to the campaign trail for events in Michigan, New York, and North Carolina.
The Israeli-American Council National Summit in Washington, D.C., and a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, are also on Trump’s agenda for the coming days.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our blog for the latest information.
Contributors to this report include Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michael R. Sisak, Meg Kinnard, and Lindsay Whitehurst.
