American media reported last night that there was another assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Florida. The incident, which took place on Sunday at around two in the afternoon at the golf courses, is the second in a row in the last two months. Trump was unharmed due to the timely response of the security services, and his headquarters confirmed the allegations in a short statement.
According to CNN, the Sheriff of Palm Beach County presented the details of the event at a press conference, and stated that members of the Secret Service shot a man armed with an AK-47 rifle near the Trump International Golf Club. The assailant, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, fled the scene in a vehicle, but was soon arrested after an eyewitness provided authorities with a photo of the suspect’s car.
The FBI launched an investigation into Routh’s activities, with particular attention drawn to his online activity on platforms outside the United States. As it turned out, Routh was very active on social media, expressing strong anti-Russian views and support for Ukraine, questioning how to go to war, but also making threats against Donald Trump.
In the material and reports published by Fox News, it can be seen that among the equipment left at the scene, in addition to weapons, there is also a GoPro camera and two backpacks, the contents of which are currently unknown to the public. Reports indicate that the suspect was 300 to 500 yards away from Trump when the incident occurred. Secret Service agents, who were guarding the former president, responded when they spotted a rifle protruding from the fence.
Current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident, expressing relief that Trump was not injured, according to Reuters. Biden reiterated his condemnation of political violence, saying: “As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
Trump himself made a brief announcement on social networks with a post that reads: “I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
Featured image: Carlos Escalona/Anadolu/Getty Images
