Former President Donald Trump's golf partner on Sunday described the harrowing moment shots rang out near the 2024 GOP presidential nominee in his second reported assassination attempt in recent months.
Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate investor, was playing golf with Trump at the latter's West Palm Beach golf course on Sunday afternoon when the incident occurred. Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday, Witkoff recounted evacuating with Trump after shots were fired in their vicinity.
Members of the FBI are seen at the crime scene outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024, following a shooting incident at former President Donald Trump's golf course. Trump's campaign reported Sunday that there had been "gunshots in his vicinity" but added that the Republican presidential candidate was safe. (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
"Yesterday was quite a day. I actually feel blessed that I was there yesterday, " Witkoff said. He noted Trump has faced two assassination attempts in the past 60 days while also being constantly "vilified" since leaving office.
On Sunday, Witkoff said, Trump was simply trying to relax like others on a beautiful day. But that tranquility was interrupted when "a man with an assault rifle" opened fire with attempts to kill the former president.
While calling the situation "terrible," Witkoff praised Trump's calm and courageous demeanor. He said Trump cared most for others' safety above his own. "He was an inspiration to everybody who was around him yesterday," Witkoff told Hannity.
Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been charged with gun offenses in relation to the case. The incident is being investigated as Trump's second known assassination attempt since announcing his 2024 presidential bid.
Ryan Routh is accused of aiming an AK-47 at former President Trump while he was golfing at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. It is being investigated as a second assassination attempt on Trump. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
A Secret Service agent first spotted what appeared to be a rifle emerging from the tree line near the golf course. He immediately opened fire on the suspect, later identified as Routh, causing him to flee the scene.
Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. of the U.S. Secret Service addresses the media at a press conference with updates on the investigation into the apparent assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, West Palm Beach, FL, Monday, September 16, 2024. (Mega for Fox News Digital)
Routh was detained by local law enforcement about 45 minutes later after running away. According to a DOJ complaint, cell phone records show Routh had been lurking in the vicinity of the tree line for over 12 hours prior.
When agents searched the area, they recovered a digital camera, backpack, loaded rifle with scope, and food belonging to Routh. This provided key evidence linking him to the shooting.
Pictures of evidence found at the fence of former President Donald Trump's golf course are shown at a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024 following a second attempt on the president's life. (Candan Khanna / AFP via Getty Images)
Witkoff, who was just five yards from Trump during the ordeal, said he recognized the sounds as gunfire due to his experience with firearms. He praised the "exceptional" response of the Secret Service in rapidly securing Trump's safety.
"It was as if they had practiced it 500 times before. It was pretty awesome to watch them," said Witkoff. "And they were heroic because their lives were on the line."
Ronald Rowe, acting Secret Service director, later confirmed for reporters that Routh did not have a direct line of sight to Trump. He also was unable to discharge any rounds according to their investigation.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe commended his agency's swift response on Sunday. Upon receiving reports of gunfire, the Secret Service immediately evacuated Trump to safety.
Rowe said their protective methodologies were effective in identifying and responding to the threat quickly. The Secret Service's close protection detail facilitated a safe evacuation of the former president.
The increased security assets allocated to Trump, at the direction of President Biden, were instrumental in thwarting any attempt on his life. With more funding and manpower in place, the Secret Service was well equipped for such an incident.
Rowe also praised the heroic efforts of Secret Service personnel who risk their lives daily in an increasingly dangerous environment. Since the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania last July, the Secret Service has further beefed up security surrounding the 2024 candidate.
Additional measures have been taken to maintain an "already enhanced security posture" around Trump as threats to his safety continue amid his return to campaigning for the nation's highest office. The Secret Service will spare no effort protecting the former president, said Rowe.
Read more: Trump safe after potential assassination attempt at golf course
In his interview with Hannity, a visibly shaken Witkoff expressed gratitude that his "dear friend" Trump avoided physical harm.
"I have, like, a little love thing for my dear friend. And I say to myself, thank God that he was not injured or killed, and thank God none of the other people. There were plenty of civilians, by the way, staffers from his office, people who care about him just as much as I do, two other friends of his, so there could have been a lot of really serious damage out there, and there wasn't," he said. "And I'm grateful to that agent who interdicted and that entire team."
The close call left Witkoff both shaken and resolute in expressing thanks for the outcome being far better than it could have been.
