The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed on Sunday that they are conducting an investigation into an apparent assassination attempt on ex-president Donald Trump of the United States. The FBI divulged that the scene of the investigation was West Palm Beach, Florida, as they probe into what they believe is a plot to assassinate the former American leader.
According to reports from a press briefing by law enforcement officers, the assailant had been concealed in some shrubbery close to the boundary of the golf course. Here, secret service agents, who had been tasked with performing a security sweep in advance of Mr Trump’s arrival, discovered a gun barrel concealed within the shrubbery. The agents reacted swiftly, discharging at least four bullets towards the attacker.
In response to the agents’ actions, the attacker discarded his rifle, two rucksacks and other items, before making his escape in a black Nissan car. One observant witness managed to capture photos of the assailant and his car’s number plate, enabling the police to quickly disseminate information about the vehicle across state agencies. Sheriff’s deputies in neighbouring Martin County consequently managed to intercept and capture the suspect on Interstate 95.
Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County sheriff, confirmed they had someone in custody. Mr Trump’s campaign team has confirmed his safety.
Following the incident, Trump issued a statement: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours 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!”
This situation comes shortly after Trump was harmed in a similar incident in Pennsylvania on July 13th, sparking discussion about the level of protection for candidates just before the much anticipated November 5th election. Trump is expected to compete fiercely with Democratic vice-president Kamala Harris.
Mr Trump had recently returned to Florida after a trip to the west coast that included a rally in Las Vegas on Friday night, as well as a Utah-based fundraising event.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed about the incident and will be continuously updated about the progress of the investigation. Both expressed their relief that the former president is safe, as per a statement from The White House.
In a public statement, Ms Harris expressed her relief that Mr Trump was unharmed and emphasised that acts of violence have no place in the United States. Following an incident that recently occurred, Republican senator JD Vance from Ohio, Mr Trump’s political partner during elections, posted on X stating he had spoken with President Trump prior to the news becoming public. Vance was astonished to find the president in high spirits. He expressed his intention to spend time with his family in response to the incident, with a deep sense of gratitude.
Echoing Vance’s sentiments, Senator Lindsey Graham — one of Mr Trump’s strongest supporters in congress, confirmed in an X post that he had spoken to the former president after the incident. He praised Mr Trump as one of the hardest individuals he’s ever encountered and stated he was in a positive mood.
Mr Trump has been known to engage in golf during morning hours, often spending his lunchtime at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach — one of the three locations he owns within the state. Since the attempted assassination which took place in July, his security measures have been notably increased. When stationed at New York’s Trump Tower, a fleet of lorries is usually positioned to form a barrier outside the structure. While giving speeches at outdoor political events, Trump now stands behind a bulletproof glass shield for protection.
Max Egusquiza from Palm Beach gave an account of the heightened emergency action that took place at Mr Trump’s West Palm Beach golf venue. As per his statement, he witnessed a scene involving five mysterious black SUVs, surrounded by about 20 police cars, surrounding a grey Mercedes near the entrance of the golf course.