Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was golfing at his West Palm Beach course when Secret Service agents thwarted an apparent assassination attempt.
Law enforcement officials revealed that a gunman, armed with an AK-47-style rifle, was spotted hiding in nearby bushes.
The agents engaged the assailant, who fled the scene, leaving behind the rifle and two backpacks. The suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested after a statewide manhunt.
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This incident marks the second attack on Trump in recent months, following a shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in July, where he sustained a minor ear injury.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, these events highlight the increasing security challenges candidates face amid heightened political tensions.
The suspect’s motive remains unclear, though his social media posts indicated support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Routh's online profiles also show past criticism of Joe Biden and support for Bernie Sanders during the 2020 election.
Safe and unharmed, Trump expressed gratitude toward his Secret Service detail in an email to his supporters. The White House confirmed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the situation, with Biden affirming support for ensuring Trump’s continued safety.
The incident raises concerns about protecting presidential candidates as the election draws near, especially given the ongoing polarization in the political landscape.
Both Trump and his allies praised the Secret Service's swift action in averting the potential threat.
