Foiled Assassination Attempt on Trump While Golfing in Florida

Donald Trump was safe after an assassination attempt was foiled by the FBI and Secret Service while he was golfing in Florida. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, fled but was later apprehended. This incident, following a previous attempt in Pennsylvania, raises concerns about presidential candidate safety.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was unharmed on Sunday after the FBI and Secret Service thwarted an apparent assassination attempt while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents spotted and fired on a gunman in bushes near the perimeter of the golf course, several hundred yards from Trump, according to law enforcement officials.

The suspect abandoned an AK-47-style assault rifle and other items at the scene and fled in a vehicle but was later detained. This attempt, occurring two months after Trump was shot at a Pennsylvania rally, intensifies concerns over the protection of presidential candidates during a contentious campaign period leading up to the Nov. 5 election.

News outlets identified the suspect as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh from Hawaii. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies declined to comment. Profiles on social media platforms linked to Routh show support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County stated that Secret Service agents noticed a rifle barrel protruding from bushes about 400 to 500 yards from Trump. The agents engaged the gunman and fired at least four rounds. Following the exchange, the suspect fled in a black Nissan, dropping his rifle and two backpacks. He was later apprehended by deputies in Martin County.

Fox News host Sean Hannity reported that Trump and Steve Witkoff, a real estate investor, were on the fifth hole when they heard gunshots. The Secret Service quickly secured Trump, ensuring his safety. Trump subsequently informed his supporters via email that he was unharmed. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed and expressed relief over Trump's safety.

Biden has directed the provision of necessary resources to the Secret Service to ensure robust protection for Trump. In contrast, Harris condemned the violence, echoed by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, who confirmed Trump's good spirits after the incident.

This attempt, following a fatal shooting at a Pennsylvania rally in July, underscores the increased security challenges for candidates. The Secret Service's new acting director has acknowledged the previous security lapse and aims to prevent future incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)