News Feed, Donald Trump, United States, Assassination, Shooting, US Election

Trump safe after shots fired at golf course

by Abbey Fenbert September 16, 2024 12:47 AM

(Updated: September 16, 2024 3:25 AM) 2 min read

Law enforcement personnel investigate the area around Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt of former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 15, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

This audio is created with AI assistance

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect ongoing developments.

Former U.S. President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been reported safe following gunshots at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sept. 15, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced.

A man has been taken into custody and the FBI is investigating the incident as an apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump.

"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement on Sept. 15.

The Secret Service reportedly opened fire after spotting an armed individual among the bushes on the golf course. Trump at the time was golfing nearby with campaign donor Steve Witkoff. Trump remained unharmed during the gunfire.

Law enforcement representatives later disclosed to the media that the detained suspect is Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii.

Shortly after the incident, Trump emailed supporters to assure them 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!" Trump said.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the shooting and expressed relief for Trump's safety.

"I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America," Harris wrote on X.

The golf course shooting comes two months after an assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Trump sustained injuries to his ear, and an audience member was killed.

The July assassination attempt sparked a wave of Russian disinformation campaigns falsely blaming Democrats for the plot against Trump.

The U.S. presidential election is less than two months away. American voters on Nov. 5 will choose between Trump and Harris after an election cycle marked by dramatic upheavals.

Author: Abbey Fenbert

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