Donald Trump 'safe' after apparent assassination attempt at Florida golf club - as one arrested and AK-47 seized
15 September 2024, 21:57 | Updated: 15 September 2024, 23:45
Donald Trump is 'safe' after the former president was the subject of an 'assassination attempt' after gunshots were fired at his Florida golf club leading to a man being arrested and an AK-47 rifle being seized.
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The FBI said that Trump was the subject of an "apparent assassination attempt" - in what would be the second attempt on his life in as many months.
Reports emerged that gunshots had been fired in the vicinity of the former president at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida shortly around 1pm local time (7.45pm BST).
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been identified by three senior law enforcement officials as the suspected gunman, NBC News reported.
A press conference has since confirmed that Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a rifle sticking out of a perimeter fence near the fourth or the fifth hole at the course.
A Secret Service agent who was screening further holes before Trump played them was the one to see the alleged assassin.
The alleged assailant was said to be 400-500 yards away from Trump when he was spotted.
The suspected assassin fled the scene and law enforcement officers later confirmed that they had seized two backpacks, a Go-Pro camera, and an AK-47 by the fence.
Trump is safe and has returned to his nearby Mar-a-Lago resort after the reported attempt on his life.
Steven Cheung, the Trump Campaign's Communications Director, confirmed: "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time."
The US Secret Service has also publicly confirmed Trump was safe after the incident.
Local state police were instrumental in catching the subject - after a witness had reported an armed man jumped into a Nissan near the course.
They detained the suspect and have handed him over to FBI and Secret Service officers who are investigating.
The former president and Republican candidate wrote in a statement: "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! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you".
Officials are still investigating whether the suspect fired first, fired at all, or whether only Secret Service fired.
I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
William Snyder, of the Martin County Sheriff's Office, said: "We were able to contain it using some of our bigger vehicles that we use for specialised stops. We got the vehicle stopped.
"Since then the FBI and the Secret Service have responded to the scene. It does appear that we certainly have the vehicle involved in the incident in Mar-a-Lago and we have the suspect that they were looking for. And now the FBI and the Secret Service will take over that investigation."
The latest firearms incident comes after Trump was inches away from death after being hit in the ear by a sniper during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation.
Kamala Harris posted on X, formerly Twitter: "I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America".
The White House added they are "relieved" to know Mr Trump is safe.
The New York Post and ABC News are reporting that the former President was at the resort when shots were exchanged between two people nearby.
The source told NBC that preliminary reports say that the US Secret Service moved Mr Trump to safety after gunfire was heard while he was on his golf course.
Mr Trump has had a stepped-up security footprint since the previous assassination attempt.
When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, a line-up of trucks have parked in a wall outside the building.
And at outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.
