The FBI is investigating what appears to be another assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, who was golfing at his West Palm Beach, Florida, course on Sunday when Secret Service agents engaged in a shootout with an armed suspect.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported during an afternoon press conference that Secret Service agents, who were clearing holes ahead of Trump’s play, spotted a rifle barrel in bushes near the property line around 1:30 p.m. EDT.
“The agents engaged the gunman and fired at least four rounds,” Bradshaw stated. “The suspect then dropped his rifle, two backpacks, and other items before fleeing in a black Nissan.” The gunman was approximately 400 to 500 yards from Trump’s location.
A witness managed to photograph the suspect’s vehicle and license plate, leading to a statewide alert. Sheriff’s deputies in neighboring Martin County apprehended the suspect on Interstate 95 shortly after.
“We have somebody in custody right now,” Bradshaw confirmed, without identifying the suspect or speculating on a motive.
Trump’s campaign quickly assured the public of his safety. In an email to supporters, Trump wrote, “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!”
This incident follows a July 13 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania where Trump was grazed by a bullet, raising serious questions about candidate protection ahead of the November 5 election. That earlier attempt resulted in the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle amid bipartisan congressional pressure.
The White House reported that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the incident. Harris stated via social media, “Violence has no place in America.”
Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, reported speaking with the former president after the incident, describing him as in “good spirits.”
The U.S. Secret Service’s new acting director had expressed shame over the July security lapse in August, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting high-profile political figures.
As the FBI leads the investigation into this latest attempt, security measures for presidential candidates are likely to face renewed scrutiny. The incident underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming election and the complex security landscape facing both candidates and law enforcement agencies.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to release more details about the suspect and potential charges in the coming days.
