Former President Donald Trump is safe following what appears to be an assassination attempt at his Florida golf course, according to US authorities. A “potential suspect” is currently in custody.
Secret Service agents noticed a rifle barrel emerging from some bushes and fired at the individual, officials stated. The FBI confirmed that Trump was between 300 to 500 yards (275 to 455 meters) away when the incident occurred.
At the scene, authorities discovered an AK-47-style rifle, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. A witness reported seeing the suspect fleeing from the bushes and entering a black Nissan after agents had fired at him multiple times.
The police, providing updates on the shooting near Trump, revealed that the witness captured an image of the car and its license plate. The vehicle was later intercepted in Martin County, north of the golf club.
“We coordinated with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, who located the vehicle, pulled it over, and detained the individual,” said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County. “We then flew the witness to identify the suspect as the person they saw fleeing the scene,” he added during a press briefing.
In an email to his supporters, Trump reassured them of his well-being, stating, “I’m safe and well.” He also emphasized, “Nothing will slow me down. I will never surrender!”
This event comes almost two months after another gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear.
The Secret Service confirmed in a post on X that they are investigating a “protective incident” involving Trump that occurred shortly before 14:00 EST (19:00 BST) on Sunday.
