West Palm Beach, FL - Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while golfing at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach on Sunday afternoon.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, as Trump was teeing off on the fifth hole around 2pm, a sniper opened fire on the former president from a concealed position about 300-500 yards away. The suspect, later identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh of Hawaii, had taken cover near a chain-link fence on the edge of the golf course property and was armed with a scoped AK-47 rifle.
Sheriff Bradshaw stated that with a high-powered rifle equipped with a scope, the distance between the shooter and Trump "is not a long distance." Law enforcement sources told The New York Post that Routh, a self-described progressive activist, had championed liberal causes online and donated to numerous Democratic politicians and groups in the past.
A Secret Service agent ahead of Trump's position spotted the shooter and immediately returned fire, prompting Routh to flee the scene on foot. He was later apprehended by local police approximately 40 miles away after a vehicle stop on Interstate 95.
This is the second assassination attempt on former President Trump in just two months, raising questions about the security protocols in place for public figures after leaving the highest office. An investigation into the shooting and Routh's motives is ongoing.
The suspected shooter, Ryan Routh, 58, had lived in Hawaii in recent years after relocating from North Carolina around 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Routh attended North Carolina A&T State University. On his LinkedIn, he described himself as "mechanically minded" and said "work has never been about money rather building frameworks for people to thrive and succeed."
However, Routh had a lengthy criminal history in North Carolina according to state records. Somebody with his same name and birthdate racked up over a dozen charges there between 2001 and 2002. The charges included carrying a concealed weapon and hit-and-run.
Most alarming is an April 2002 felony conviction for "possessing a weapon of mass destruction," according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
Routh had carefully planned and orchestrated what authorities are calling a "full-fledged sniper's nest" on the edge of the Trump golf course property. He hid amid the hedges with his scoped AK-47 rifle.
Investigators say that on the day of the shooting, Routh mounted a GoPro camera to the chain-link fence, apparently with the intent to film carrying out the planned assassination. He lay in wait for Trump to come into view on the golf course.
When Trump was around 300-500 yards away on the fifth hole, Routh prepared to fire through the fence at his target. However, a Secret Service agent ahead of the president's position spotted the suspect and opened fire before Routh could carry out the shooting.
Routh then fled the scene on foot, leaving behind his rifle and camera. He was later arrested driving away from the area.
A Secret Service agent who was playing a hole ahead of Trump on the course spotted Routh as he stuck the barrel of his rifle through the chain link fence on the outskirts of the Trump golf course property.
The quick-acting agent immediately opened fire on the suspect. According to Sheriff Bradshaw, authorities have not yet determined whether Routh was able to fire any shots at the Secret Service agents or at Trump before fleeing the scene.
Bradshaw noted that Trump's security detail was less extensive than it would be for a sitting president. But he credited the Secret Service with reacting appropriately, even with more limited protective measures in place for Trump as a former commander-in-chief.
The sheriff indicated security will likely be tightened at Trump's future public appearances after he came dangerously close to being assassinated only two months ago. Bradshaw said Trump likely would have had "this entire golf course surrounded" with protection if he was still president.
After the July rally shooting in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service increased Trump's protective detail and offered protection to others, like DHS said personnel and resources were augmented though specifics weren't provided.
“I cannot discuss specifics of the protection or the enhancements made, as they involve sensitive tactics and procedures,” the DHS chief said. “I can say, however, that personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added.”
Trump was also required to hold future outdoor events behind bulletproof glass for his safety. Routh's arrest was expedited when a witness saw him flee on foot and get into a black Nissan, photographing him. This tipped off law enforcement who issued a statewide alert.
At the scene, investigators found Routh's abandoned AK-style rifle and backpacks, one containing ceramic tile plates. Routh has Ukrainian ties, previously speaking to the media about volunteering there in 2022 and frustrations with their foreign enlistment policies
“Ukraine is very often hard to work with,” he said. “Many foreign soldiers leave after a week in Ukraine or must move from unit to unit to find a place they are respected and appreciated.”
His partner Kathleen Shaffer wrote on social media about Routh staying in Kyiv for 3 months in 2022, working with a military unit and setting up a memorial/support center for fallen soldiers.
“My fiancé put his life at home on hold and traveled to Kyiv in April to support the people of Ukraine. He plans on staying for at least 90 days and stays at a hostel with a military unit,” Shaffer wrote on Facebook.
Shortly after the assassination attempt, Trump issued an "alert" statement on his social media to let supporters know he was safe. In the statement, Trump said "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 spokesman Steven Cheung also commented to confirm the former president's safety, saying "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time."
The suspected shooter, Ryan Routh, was arrested a short time later by local police on Interstate 95 at mile marker FL-714 in Palm City, located approximately 41 miles north of the Trump golf club in West Palm Beach where the incident occurred.
Fox News host Sean Hannity spoke to Trump after the ordeal. Trump said that once knowing everyone was safe, he commented "Ugh, I really wanted to finish the hole! I was even and I had a birdie putt."
In a later TruthSocial post, Trump expressed being "proud to be an American" and thanked the Secret Service for their "absolutely outstanding" work in keeping him safe.
Trump specifically thanked the Secret Service, Sheriff Bradshaw and his office, and all law enforcement "for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President...SAFE."
He declared "THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
Read more: Jan. 6 Awards Gala at Trump’s New Jersey golf club postponed
This is the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months, after the July 13 shooting at a Pennsylvania rally that wounded Trump and killed another person. Senator Lindsey Graham quickly praised Trump's fortitude on social media after news of the latest shooting broke.
Senator Lindsey Graham said after speaking with Trump, "He is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. He’s in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country.” This showed Trump was shaken but resilient.The golf course where the attempt occurred, Trump International in West Palm Beach, is about 5 miles inland from Mar-a-Lago. Trump has referred to Mar-a-Lago as the "Winter White House."
The Secret Service, which faced criticism over the previous assassination attempt on Trump in July, wrote on social media that it was investigating the incident as a "protective incident" involving the former president.
The Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are coordinating the investigation. Initial reports said two people fired, but investigators now believe the Secret Service agent was the only shooter firing at the suspect.
The suspect's motives are unknown. He was arrested by county sheriff's deputies. President Biden commended law enforcement's efforts to protect Trump and others. He directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has all necessary resources for Trump's safety.
“A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe,” Biden said.
“I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's potential 2024 opponent, said she was deeply disturbed by the second assassination attempt on Trump.
“I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,” Harris said.
Harris condemned political violence and called for ensuring the incident does not lead to more violence.
References: https://nypost.com/2024/09/15/us-news/shooting-reported-at-donald-trumps-golf-club-while-ex-president-was-on-grounds/
