By Former President Donald Trump was reported safe Sunday after multiple gunshots were fired near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to campaign officials and the U.S. Secret Service.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. while Trump, 78, was golfing at Trump National Golf Club. Steven Cheung, Trump Campaign Communications Director, issued a brief statement: “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time.”
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service, confirmed the agency is investigating the incident in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump,” Guglielmi stated on social media.
Sources cited by The New York Post suggest that the gunfire involved two individuals exchanging shots outside the golf course, reportedly targeting each other rather than the former president. These sources indicated that Trump “was never in danger” and that the incident occurred in an area of the club known for high crime rates.
The shooting comes two months after a more serious security incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where gunshots forced the former president off stage in what was later described as an assassination attempt. That incident resulted in fatalities and injuries among spectators.
Sunday’s event has reignited discussions about the security of political figures and the potential for violence in the current political climate. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Secret Service in protecting former presidents who maintain high public profiles.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the West Palm Beach Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, have not yet provided additional details about the incident or any potential arrests.
As investigations continue, the incident is likely to fuel debate about gun violence and the security measures necessary for protecting political figures, particularly as the 2024 presidential campaign season intensifies.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has been a frequent visitor to his Florida properties since leaving office in 2021. This latest security scare underscores the complex logistics involved in protecting former presidents who remain active in public life and politics.
The Secret Service and local authorities are expected to provide more information as their investigation progresses.
