Former President Donald J. Trump escaped unharmed yesterday (Sunday) from what federal authorities are calling an apparent assassination attempt, the second such incident in two months.
Trump was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, at approximately 1:30 p.m., secret Service agents saw an armed person hiding in the bushes along the golf course's perimeter and they opened fire.
"A Secret Service agent observed a rifle barrel with a scope protruding from the fence," Sheriff Bradshaw said during a news conference. The agent, part of a team that stays ahead of Mr. Trump on the course, "immediately engaged" with the suspect, who was estimated to be 300 to 500 yards from the former president.
The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, and he fled the scene in a black Nissan. Thanks to a witness who photographed the vehicle and its license plate, authorities were able to apprehend Mr. Routh in Martin County, north of Palm Beach.
Law enforcement officials recovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera at the scene. The FBI has launched a global investigation into Mr. Routh's background, including his social media activity and apparent travels to Ukraine in 2022.
This incident follows a similar attempt on Mr. Trump's life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, two months ago, raising questions about the efficacy of the former president's security detail.
The White House reported that President Biden condemned political violence and pledged to ensure the Secret Service has "every resource, capability and protective measure necessary" to safeguard the former president.
Trump seems to be unshaken by the incident. He sent a fundraising email shortly after the event where he told his supporters: "I AM SAFE AND WELL!"
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state-led investigation, while a congressional task force has requested a briefing with the Secret Service.
CNN contributed to this article.
