While golfing today at his course in West Palm Beach, former President Trump was the subject of a second assassination attempt on his life.
The assailant, armed with a rifle and perched several hundred yards away hiding in bushes, was discovered just before he was able to fire shots in Trump’s direction. Secret Service agents fired after spotting the rifle causing the man to flee only to be found a short time later, the Associated Press reports:
The man who authorities say pointed a rifle with a scope into former President Donald Trump’s golf club and was arrested is Ryan Wesley Routh, three law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.
The officials identified the suspect to the AP but spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Secret Service agents shot at the suspect, who was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of what the FBI is calling an apparent attempted assassination of the Republican presidential nominee. Authorities are working to determine a motive.
Trump praised the Secret Service agents involved who spotted the would-be assassin a few holes ahead of the former president and took action:
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, Bradshaw said. 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.
Here’s an accompanying map showing the details of the incident and how far the suspect made it before apprehension:
Trump released a statement just a few hours ago addressing the incident:
BREAKING: Statement from President Trump re shooting: pic.twitter.com/x2lPF9yTUm
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 15, 2024
This is a developing story and may be updated throughout the evening.
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