US Secret Service agents opened fire on a man armed with a firearm who they believed was targeting Donald Trump while he was playing golf on his West Palm Beach, Florida course, according to two sources familiar with the incident.
The agents were several holes ahead of Trump when they noticed the weapon peeking through the bushes, one of the sources said. The man then fled in a vehicle that was later found. An AK-type rifle was found at the scene.
Trump was nearby but is safe, the Trump campaign confirmed. “President Trump is safe following a shooting near him. We have no additional information at this time,” said Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung.
Local Palm Beach officials have been notified by local police that they believe Trump was targeted, according to a person familiar with the situation.
In a statement, the FBI said, “The FBI responded to West Palm Beach, Florida and is investigating what appears to be an assassination attempt against former President Trump.”
“We have one person in custody who is a potential suspect,” Palm Beach officials said.
“We still have work to do on the case, but as we usually do, as soon as we decide to book him in the county jail and press charges, we will let you know, along with his picture and background,” they added.
FBI Special Agent Jeffrey B. Veltri, Chief of the Miami Field Office, stated:
“What we need now is for the public to avoid the area around the golf course. We will continue to support this investigation with all of the FBI’s resources, in cooperation with our partners.”
The suspect involved in a shooting incident at Trump’s golf course in Florida dropped his AK-47 rifle and fled in an SUV, officials said.
The suspect was then arrested in a neighboring area without reported injuries. A firearm was found at the scene near Trump’s West Palm Beach International Golf Club, according to two officials.
World media reports that the identity of the suspect in the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump is known, and it is Ryan Wesley Routh.
According to the latest information, he has been arrested. As for the suspect, his son described him as a “caring, loving father” in a statement to CNN. He also stated that he is not a man who would do such a thing.
Police are still present outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, while the road remains closed for nine hours after the incident, according to CNN.
“We learn from the police that he was very calm. He didn’t show any emotions,” said the CNN correspondent.
The suspect was waiting for Trump, said Dave Aronberg, a Palm Beach attorney.
He also states how Secret Service agents spotted a 58-year-old man hiding in the bushes, and according to him, the assailant was aiming at them and the agent shot him. Allegedly, Trump was 300 to 400 meters away from the attacker.
The White House also announced that President Joe Biden and Vice President, and candidate for President of the United States, Kamala Harris had been informed of the incident.
