WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Former President Donald Trump was the target of what the FBI is calling “an attempted assassination” at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. The incident comes just nine weeks after Trump survived another attempt on his life.
The Secret Service, responsible for Trump’s security, was quick to react. Agents stationed a few holes away from Trump noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle protruding from the shrubbery lining the golf course, approximately 400 yards from where Trump was playing.
One agent fired a shot, causing the gunman to drop the rifle and flee in an SUV, leaving behind the weapon, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera. The man was later apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the man was apprehended without incident and displayed a calm, flat demeanor. “He never asked, ‘What is this about?'” said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, describing the suspect’s reaction to being surrounded by law enforcement. “Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights, a lot going on. He never questioned it.”
Trump, in an email to supporters, assured his followers of his safety. “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!” he wrote. “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Palm Beach, shortly after the incident. His campaign schedule and dynamics remain uncertain, but he is expected to speak live on the social media site X about cryptocurrency on Monday night.
The incident has raised concerns about Secret Service protective operations, particularly after the agency admitted to failures in preventing the assassination attempt this summer. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued statements condemning political violence and expressing their concern over the incident. Biden directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has “every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
Trump, in the aftermath, checked in with allies, including running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, and several Fox News hosts. House Speaker Mike Johnson spent several hours with Trump and described him as “unstoppable.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity recounted on air his conversation with Trump’s golf partner, Steve Witkoff. They were on the fifth hole and about to putt when they heard “pop pop, pop pop.” Witkoff told Hannity that within seconds, Secret Service agents “pounced” on Trump and “covered him” to protect him.
Trump’s security has been heightened since the July assassination attempt. When he’s at Trump Tower in New York, parked dump trucks form a wall outside the building. At outdoor rallies, he speaks from behind bulletproof glass.
The Florida golf course was partially shut down for Trump’s game, but several areas around the perimeter of the property remain visible from the fence line. Secret Service agents and officers in golf carts and ATVs typically secure the area several holes ahead and behind Trump. Agents also usually bring an armored vehicle onto the course to quickly shelter Trump in case of a threat.
Sheriff Bradshaw acknowledged that security would be more robust if Trump were still president. “I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there will probably be a little more people around the perimeter,” Bradshaw said. “But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”
Late Sunday, Trump posted a message on social media thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for keeping him safe, calling them “brave and dedicated Patriots.” He added, “It was certainly an interesting day!”
Trump is expected to be briefed in person on Monday by acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe about the investigation into the assassination attempt.
Former presidents and their spouses have Secret Service protection for life, but the level of security varies according to threat levels and exposure. Trump’s protective detail has been higher than some other former presidents due to his high visibility and his campaign to seek the White House again.
The man in custody has been identified as Ryan Routh by three law enforcement officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Records show Routh, 58, lived in North Carolina for most of his life before moving to Hawaii in 2018. In 2020, he made a social media post backing Trump’s reelection, but in more recent years his posts have expressed support for Biden and Harris.
Routh reportedly tried to recruit Afghan soldiers fleeing the Taliban to fight in Ukraine and spent several months in the country, according to an interview with The New York Times last year.
The FBI is leading the investigation and working to determine any motive. Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving regular updates. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.
“The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” the bureau said in a statement.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said the state would conduct its own investigation. “The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee,” DeSantis posted on X.
News reporters were not with Trump on Sunday. Trump’s campaign has not arranged to have a protective pool of reporters travel with him, as is standard for major party nominees and for the president. Harris does not have a protective pool at all times, but does allow reporters to travel with her for public events.
Snyder, the Martin County sheriff, said the suspect was apprehended within minutes of the FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office issuing a “very urgent BOLO” – or “be on the lookout” alert.
Snyder said his deputies “immediately flooded” northbound I-95 and “we pinched in on the car, got it safely stopped and got the driver in custody.”
