Former President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude to law enforcement and the Secret Service for their swift response to what the FBI described as an attempted assassination at his Florida golf course the day before.
“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” Trump shared in a post on Truth Social late Sunday.
During the incident, a Secret Service agent confronted the suspect after spotting a rifle muzzle protruding through a fence at the Trump International Golf Course while the former president was playing golf, as reported by the Palm Beach County sheriff at a news briefing on Sunday.
The suspect, who was later apprehended in Marion County, Florida, was approximately 400 to 500 yards away from Trump when discovered by the agent. Law enforcement photos revealed an AK-style rifle, a GoPro, and two backpacks containing ceramic tile.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and his dedicated team of Patriots, along with all Law Enforcement, for their exceptional work at Trump International in ensuring the safety of myself, the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election. The security measures implemented were truly outstanding. I am extremely proud to be an American,” Trump emphasized in the post, some of it written in all capital letters.
This incident marks the second assassination attempt against Trump in as many months. In July, the former president narrowly evaded death when a man opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of one attendee and injuries to two others, including a shot to Trump’s right ear.
Following the Pennsylvania incident, concerns were raised regarding the preparedness of the Secret Service and local law enforcement in securing the rally. Similar concerns have been brought up by lawmakers after the events of Sunday.
Trump has frequently commended the Secret Service and its agents for their response to the Pennsylvania assassination attempt, highlighting how the agents swiftly acted to shield him during the gunfire.
The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58 years old.
Upon his apprehension, Routh remained calm and composed, showing little emotion as he was stopped, according to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, whose office detained him. “He never inquired about the situation, despite the presence of law enforcement with long rifles, flashing blue lights, and a flurry of activity. He never questioned it,” Snyder informed the press on Sunday.
Prior to the incident, Trump’s campaign and the former president himself reassured in emails that he was safe and unharmed amidst the apparent assassination attempt.
“Nothing will deter me. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will forever be grateful for your support,” Trump conveyed in an emailed statement.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, have condemned the recent assassination attempt.
“As I have reiterated numerous times, there is no room for political violence or any form of violence in our nation, and I have instructed my team to ensure that the Secret Service has all the necessary resources, capabilities, and protective measures to guarantee the continued safety of the former President,” Biden stated.
Harris expressed her relief that Trump remained unharmed and her deep concern over the potential assassination attempt.
The impact of this incident on Trump’s schedule or campaign activities remains uncertain. Trump was scheduled to discuss cryptocurrency live from Florida on Monday evening on the social media platform X, with upcoming stops planned for Michigan on Tuesday and Long Island, New York, on Wednesday.
In the aftermath, Trump engaged in conversations with his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and various Fox News hosts, as revealed. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) spent significant time with Trump and hailed him as “unstoppable” in a social media post.
Fox News host Sean Hannity recounted a conversation with Trump’s golf partner, Steve Witkoff, on air. Witkoff described how they were on the fifth hole preparing to putt when they heard gunshots. Within moments, Secret Service agents swiftly reacted to shield and protect Trump.
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