Trump Targeted in Another Assassination Attempt at Florida Golf Club
Secret Service Reacts Swiftly, Opening Fire on Armed Suspect
Former President Donald Trump narrowly avoided an assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. The FBI confirmed they are investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of the Republican presidential nominee. This incident comes just over two months after a previous attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Incident
Trump, who was playing a round of golf at the Trump International Golf Club, was about 400 yards away when Secret Service agents spotted a man armed with an AK-style rifle hiding in the bushes along the course. The suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, was also equipped with a scope and a GoPro camera, suggesting he intended to film the assassination attempt. Routh managed to get between 300 and 500 yards from Trump at a chain-link fence on the edge of the course.
When Routh inserted the muzzle of his rifle through the fence, a Secret Service agent opened fire. Routh fled the scene, leaving behind the gun and two backpacks. He was later arrested during a traffic stop on I-95. The arrest was reportedly made without incident, and Routh did not resist. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail.
Suspect’s Political Affiliations
Routh, who has a criminal record dating back to North Carolina, has been vocal about his political views on social media. His criminal record includes charges of assault and battery, as well as DUI. He frequently posted anti-Trump rhetoric, echoing sentiments expressed by Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In one post, Routh declared, “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot, and we cannot lose,” a message similar to those used by Harris in her campaign speeches. Routh has also made multiple donations to Democratic candidates and progressive causes since 2019.
Previous Assassination Attempt
This is the second attempt on Trump’s life in recent months. On July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old gunman opened fire while Trump was on stage, grazing his right ear. The gunman was shot and killed by Secret Service agents, but not before one spectator was killed and two others were wounded.
Trump’s Response
Following the incident, Trump sent a statement to his supporters, reassuring them of his safety. “I AM SAFE AND WELL!” Trump wrote. “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” He expressed gratitude for the quick response from his security detail. However, he criticized the reduced security presence due to his status as a former president.
Law Enforcement Investigation
The suspect’s calm demeanor during his arrest has raised questions about his motives and mental state. Authorities are continuing to investigate, and the FBI has confirmed that they are treating this as an attempted assassination.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing security challenges for high-profile political figures during an increasingly volatile campaign season.