Second Attempt in Two Months: Secret Service Stops Armed Gunman Near Donald Trump’s Florida Golf Course
Trump Safe After Secret Service Thwarts Gunman
FLORIDA, USA- Former President Donald Trump is unharmed following what authorities are calling an “apparent assassination attempt” during a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course on Sunday. This incident marks the second attempt on Trump’s life in just over two months.
The Incident Unfolds
According to the FBI, Trump was playing at Trump International Golf Club when a Secret Service agent noticed a man armed with an AK-style rifle hidden in bushes near the course’s perimeter. The agents immediately engaged the suspect, firing four shots before the man fled, abandoning his weapon, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera.
Thanks to a witness who captured the suspect’s license plate, law enforcement quickly located the man, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, and arrested him on Interstate 95 in nearby Martin County.
Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Routh, a 58-year-old North Carolina native who moved to Hawaii in 2018, has a history of political activism. He has expressed support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and has made multiple small donations to Democratic campaigns. He had even attempted to purchase a rocket from Elon Musk via X (formerly Twitter), with the goal of targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Black Sea mansion.
Routh was previously interviewed by The New York Times in 2023 for his volunteer efforts in Ukraine. His sons, Adam and Oran, both expressed disbelief at the news, with Oran describing his father as a “loving and caring father” while adding that he hoped the reports were exaggerated.
Security Questions Raised
The gunman was positioned 400-500 yards away from Trump at the time of the incident, well within range of his rifle. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted that due to Trump’s status as a former president, the level of security at the golf course was not as extensive as it would be if he were still in office.
Trump, who is running for the 2024 Republican nomination, has been the target of heightened threats, with one attempt on his life in Pennsylvania in July. His security detail has been bolstered due to his high-profile campaign.
In an email to supporters, Trump reassured the public:
“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!”
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