Trump subject of apparent assassination attempt, FBI says
The FBI said Former President Donald Trump was the subject of "an apparent assassination attempt" at his Florida golf club Sunday afternoon.
A man with an AK-style rifle allegedly pushed the firearm's muzzle through a fence Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course around 2 p.m. local time while the former president was golfing, according to Florida officials who spoke at a press conference later that afternoon.
A U.S. Secret Service agent who was securing the holes ahead of where Trump was golfing opened fire after seeing the alleged security breach.
The suspect ran off and drove away, but was later apprehended in the next county.
Here are the latest updates:
Trump emails supporters
In an email to supporters, Trump said: "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!"
"Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!" the former president said.
8:52 p.m. ET
According to FOX News, President Biden on Sunday condemned "political violence" following the second assassination attempt on former President Trump earlier in the day.
The Democratic president said he had been briefed on the incident and the federal investigation into the matter.
"A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe," Biden said in a statement, adding that he was "relieved" the Republican presidential candidate was "unharmed."
"There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened," Biden said. "As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety."
5:50 p.m. ET - Sources identify suspect
Law enforcement sources confirmed to FOX News the suspect's name is Ryan Wesley Routh. No other details were immediately available.
5 p.m. ET - Law enforcement press conference
Various law enforcement agencies in Florida held a news conference and revealed the following new details:
- Trump was estimated to be about 300 to 500 yards away from the scope of the rifle.
- An AK-47 with a scope, two backpacks and a GoPro were confiscated and are being processed as evidence.
Image: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Authorities didn't confirm if any shots had been fired by the suspect.
4:53 p.m. ET - FBI update
The FBI publicly calls the incident "an apparent assassination attempt."
4:41 p.m. ET
The suspect involved in the incident at Trump's golf club was unarmed when taken into custody in a neighboring county, the sheriff's office said. The person reportedly dropped the weapon when Secret Service agents fired at him.
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder told WPTV the man had a calm, flat demeanor and showed little emotion when he was stopped by police, saying the suspect did not question why he was being pulled over.
"He never asked, ‘what is this about?’ Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights, a lot going on. He never questioned it," Snyder said.
4:19 p.m. ET
FILE - A satellite communications vehicle from US President Donald Trump's motorcade is seen at the Trump National Golf Club on February 2, 2019 in Jupiter, Florida. Shots were fired near the club on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Photo credit BRENDAN SMIA
The golf course was partially shut down for Trump as he played, and agents were a few holes ahead of him when they noticed the person with the firearm, officials told The Associated Press. The person appeared to push the muzzle of the rifle through the fence line and that’s when agents fired, the officials said, per The AP.
There are several areas around the perimeter of the property where golfers are visible from the fence line. Secret Service agents and officers in golf carts and on ATVs generally secure the area several holes ahead and behind Trump when he golfs. Agents also usually bring an armored vehicle onto the course to quickly shelter Trump should a threat arise.
4:17 p.m. ET
An AK-style firearm was recovered near Trump's golf course where shots were fired, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.
4:15 p.m. ET
Sen. Lindsey Graham said on X that he spoke with former President Trump and "he's in good spirits."
4:02 p.m. ET
Photos show heavy police presence in the area near Trump National Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where a Secret Service agent opened fire on a suspected person with a weapon while Trump was golfing.
3:52 p.m. ET
Sources told The Associated Press that a Secret Service agent opened fire on a suspected person with a weapon while Trump was golfing.
The person fled in an SUV and was later apprehended in a nearby county by local law enforcement. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said it stopped a vehicle and took a suspect into custody following an alert from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Highway where suspect was apprehended (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
3:38 p.m. ET
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added they are "relieved" to know Trump is safe.
2:49 p.m.
A Secret Service spokesperson put out a tweet about a ‘protective incident’ and that Trump ‘is safe.'
2:25 p.m. E.T.
The Trump Campaign issued a statement: "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity."
1:30 p.m. E.T.
911 call for shots fired near Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach.
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