Trump confirms safety following an assassination attempt.
Written by Zenna Issa on September 16, 2024
Former President Donald Trump is unharmed after an assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday.
Authorities have detained a suspect, identified by media as Ryan Wesley Routh, following the incident.
Secret Service agents observed a rifle barrel emerging from bushes and fired at the suspect, who then fled in a black Nissan. An AK-47-style rifle, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro were discovered at the scene.
A witness captured the suspect’s vehicle and its license plate, which led to his arrest in Martin County, north of the golf course.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw commended the Secret Service for their swift action, noting that an agent on the course had spotted the rifle and engaged the suspect before he could take further action.
While it’s unclear if the gunman fired at Trump or the agents, Secret Service officials confirmed that their agents did respond to the threat.
In a statement to supporters, Trump assured them of his safety and resilience, declaring, “Nothing will slow me down.”
This incident follows a similar attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania, two months prior, where a gunman fired at him during a rally.
The Secret Service faced scrutiny for that event, leading to the resignation of its director, Kimberly Cheatle.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the situation.
Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed, while Harris condemned the violence and called for unity in preventing further incidents.
“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden said in a statement.
Harris issued a statement saying: “I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.
“As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”
She also said: “I am thankful that former President Trump is safe” and praised the US Secret Service and police “for their vigilance”
The suspect, Routh, has a criminal history and has previously called for foreign fighters to join the conflict in Ukraine.
Further details are expected in a forthcoming news conference.