Federal authorities are investigating a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club on Sunday. The incident marks the second attempt on Trump’s life in just over two months, as Secret Service agents thwarted a suspect armed with an AK-47-style rifle near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
Suspect in Custody After Secret Service Opens Fire
According to Rafael Barros, the special agent in charge in Miami, Secret Service agents opened fire on a gunman positioned near the property line of Trump’s golf club. The suspect was later detained after attempting to flee the scene. Barros stated that it was unclear if the suspect had fired at the agents.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed that a Secret Service agent spotted the suspect with a rifle aimed through the fence surrounding the golf course. Trump was playing golf at the time but was located 300 to 500 yards away from the gunman.
In the aftermath, law enforcement discovered an AK-47 style rifle with a scope and two backpacks containing ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera, indicating that the suspect may have been attempting to record the incident.
Swift Response by Law Enforcement
Thanks to a witness who photographed the suspect’s vehicle, authorities stopped the suspect on Interstate 95 and took him into custody. Trump was immediately moved inside the clubhouse, and his West Palm Beach campaign headquarters was placed on lockdown.
Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung issued a statement confirming the former president’s safety, crediting the Secret Service for their quick actions.
Reactions from Political Leaders
The attempted assassination has drawn strong reactions from political leaders across the spectrum. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both opponents of Trump in the general election, condemned the incident.
Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed, stating, “There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.” He added that his administration would ensure the Secret Service had all the necessary resources to protect Trump.
In a separate statement, Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the attempted assassination and reiterated the need to prevent further violence.
Growing Concerns About Trump’s Security
This incident follows an earlier assassination attempt on Trump at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania just two months ago. Despite heightened concerns from those close to Trump, his golf clubs in Florida and New Jersey remain vulnerable due to their proximity to public areas.
In a televised report, Fox News host Sean Hannity spoke with Trump after the incident. Trump humorously noted that he was on the fifth hole of the golf course and had hoped to finish his round. Hannity confirmed that the former president was in good spirits despite the close call.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, also commented on social media, praising Trump’s resilience and expressing gratitude that the situation was contained.
Bipartisan Condemnation of Political Violence
Both Republicans and Democrats have united in condemning the violence. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed disbelief at the escalation of violence during this election cycle, while Rep. Adam Schiff called for an end to the political madness.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous climate surrounding the 2024 election, raising questions about the effectiveness of security protocols for public figures.
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