Donald Trump Safe After Another 'Assassination Attempt' At Florida Golf Club, Says 'Will Never Surrender'

Former US President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt while playing golf in Florida. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested.

On July 13, Donald Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania (File Image: PTI)

Source : PTI

Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday was the target of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) called an "apparent assassination attempt" after gunshots were heard outside a golf course in Florida where he was playing. This comes within a mere nine weeks after the Republican presidential candidate was shot at in an assassination attempt during an election rally in Pennsylvania.

"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time," Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications director said in a statement soon after that.

Trump was reportedly playing golf in his Florida mansion when the US Secret Service noticed the muzzle of a gun sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course. They shot at the gunman, who fled leaving behind his equipment. The man was later arrested.

In a message to his supporters, Trump said he is safe. “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! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” said the former president.

"SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. An AK-47 was discovered in the bushes, per local law enforcement. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe. A suspect has reportedly been apprehended." tweets Donald Trump… https://t.co/cKNW3fGMnd pic.twitter.com/xj0oZoeDHK

— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2024

The arrested suspect was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, according to a report by The Associated Press. On July 13, Donald Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, the White House said both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed about the incident. "The President and Vice President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team," the White House said.

EXCLUSIVE: Attempted Trump assassin Ryan Routh appeared in a propaganda video for the AZOV BATTALLION in May 2022 pic.twitter.com/eugjHXHXqw

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) September 16, 2024

Soon after the gunshots were heard at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was golfing, the FBI said that it is "investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump".

"The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump," the agency said in a statement, reports Reuters https://t.co/cKNW3fGMnd

— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2024

After the incident, The Trump Campaign headquarters, which is in the same campus, was put under lockdown. "Officials believe the shots fired at Trump International Golf Club were intended for former President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar on the matter," CNN reported.

"Sources said the Secret Service spotted a suspicious individual on the Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach, and opened fire when agents saw what appeared to be the barrel of a gun," the New York Post reported.