On September 15, 2024, Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, narrowly avoided a second assassination attempt while golfing at his West Palm Beach resort in Florida. The incident occurred approximately two months after a previous attempt on his life during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Around 2 pm, as Trump moved between the fifth and sixth holes, a Secret Service agent detected a rifle protruding from nearby vegetation. The agent discharged their weapon into the bushes, while Trump was quickly moved to safety. The former president was reportedly within 300 to 500 yards of the incident.
Law enforcement agencies, including local police, the Secret Service, and the FBI, initiated a coordinated response. Utilizing a real-time crime center, authorities tracked the suspect's vehicle based on witness information. Sheriff William D. Snyder of Martin County recalled receiving a "BOLO" alert, prompting immediate action.
"FEAR NOT! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God! But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us. I will not stop fighting for you. I will Never Surrender!"
Approximately 50 miles from the scene, law enforcement intercepted a Nissan SUV. The suspect, identified as a 58-year-old male, was taken into custody without incident. At the golf course, investigators recovered two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, an AK-47-style rifle, and a GoPro camera affixed to a fence.
The FBI assumed control of the investigation, deploying various specialized teams to analyze evidence and process the scene. This incident has reignited concerns about the adequacy of security measures for the former president, especially following the July 2024 attempt where a bullet grazed Trump's ear.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw defended the response, describing it as "fabulous." However, he acknowledged the challenges of securing a golf course surrounded by dense vegetation. The Secret Service faces scrutiny for allowing a second close call within months.
This event underscores the ongoing security risks faced by high-profile political figures in the United States. As investigations continue, authorities and the public alike are left to consider the implications of these repeated threats on the political landscape and personal safety of current and former leaders.