On September 15, 2024, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, was reportedly the target of a suspected assassination attempt while golfing at his West Palm Beach, Florida course. The incident, occurring just 14 months before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has raised significant concerns about the security measures in place for the former president.
According to Ric Bradshaw, the Palm Beach County Sheriff, a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel protruding from a fence near the golf course. The agent promptly engaged the suspect, who was reportedly equipped with an AK-47 rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. The gunman, later identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was approximately 300 yards from Trump at the time of the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into what they describe as an "apparent attempted assassination of former President Trump." This incident marks the second alleged attempt on Trump's life in just over two months, following a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024.
The Secret Service, responsible for protecting current and former U.S. presidents, has come under scrutiny following this incident. Sheriff Bradshaw acknowledged security vulnerabilities at the golf course, particularly due to surrounding shrubbery. He suggested that security measures might be less stringent than they would be for a sitting president, stating, "If he was [in office], we would have had this entire golf course surrounded."
In response to the incident, the White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the situation. A White House official stated, "They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team."
Trump, who owns three golf courses in Florida, including Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach where the incident occurred, was escorted back to his Mar-a-Lago residence, located about five miles away. In a subsequent fundraising appeal, the former president assured supporters of his safety, declaring, "Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"
JD Vance, Trump's running mate and U.S. Senator from Ohio, reported that the former president was "amazingly, in good spirits" following the incident. Vance expressed relief at Trump's safety and acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
"Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"
The incident has prompted discussions about enhancing security measures for Trump, particularly during his public appearances. Since the previous assassination attempt in July, Trump has been speaking from behind bulletproof glass at outdoor campaign events.
As the FBI continues its investigation, this latest security breach is likely to have significant implications for the protection of former presidents and high-profile political figures in the United States. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by public figures, especially in the lead-up to a contentious presidential election.