Suspect Arrested in Apparent Trump Assassination Attempt
US Secret Service agents detained a man armed with a rifle near former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course on Sunday, in what authorities are investigating as a possible assassination attempt. Trump was unharmed, and the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was taken into custody without incident. Officials confirmed no shots were fired during the encounter.
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt on September 15, 2024, while golfing at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to reports from multiple sources, Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel protruding from bushes near the course and confronted the suspect, who fled but was quickly apprehended.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. local time. Trump, who was campaigning for the 2024 presidential election, was between the fifth and sixth holes when agents noticed the suspicious activity approximately 400 to 500 yards away. The suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh from North Carolina, was found with an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. Authorities believe he intended to record the act.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated during a press conference that the suspect did not have a direct line of sight to Trump and no shots were fired. The FBI has taken over the investigation, classifying it as an attempted assassination. This marks the second such incident involving Trump in recent months, following a July rally in Pennsylvania where he was grazed by a bullet.
Routh's background includes a history of political activism and support for Ukraine, as evidenced by his social media posts. He had previously been convicted of possessing a machine gun in 2002 and faced other charges. Neighbors described him as reclusive, and his son confirmed his father's trip to Florida but was unaware of any violent intentions.
Trump issued a statement via email, assuring supporters he was safe and praising the Secret Service's response. "I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!" he wrote. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident and expressed relief that Trump was unharmed.
The event has heightened concerns about political violence in the lead-up to the November election. Security measures around Trump have been intensified since the July attempt, with calls for further protections.
Reports from Reuters detailed the suspect's vehicle, a black Nissan, which was stopped on Interstate 95, leading to his arrest. The Straits Times highlighted international reactions, noting concerns from global leaders about US political stability. The BBC provided in-depth coverage of the timeline, including eyewitness accounts from golfers who heard agents shouting commands.
No contradictions emerged among the sources; all confirmed the core facts of the arrest and investigation. The motive remains under investigation, with no immediate ties to organized groups reported.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in American politics, with experts warning of escalating risks to public figures. Trump's campaign continues undeterred, with planned rallies in the coming weeks.
In a related development, the golf course was temporarily closed, and local residents reported increased police presence. The investigation is expected to examine Routh's travels and online activity for clues.
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