Mon Sep 16 05:59:58 UTC 2024: ## Former President Trump Targeted in Apparent Assassination Attempt at Florida Golf Course

**West Palm Beach, FL** – Former President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday, authorities confirmed. A potential suspect is in custody.

Secret Service agents spotted the barrel of a rifle protruding from some bushes and immediately engaged the individual, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, fled the scene in a black Nissan car.

A witness, who captured a photo of the vehicle and license plate, alerted authorities. Routh was apprehended in Martin County, north of the golf course. The witness later identified Routh as the individual he saw running from the bushes and jumping into the car.

Authorities recovered an AK47-style firearm, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera at the scene.

Routh has a history of criminal offenses in North Carolina, including carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, hit and run, and possession of stolen property. Social media profiles matching his name indicate he called for foreign fighters to join the conflict in Ukraine against Russian forces.

Trump, who was 300 to 500 yards away from the incident, confirmed his safety in an email to supporters, stating, “Nothing will slow me down. I will never surrender!”

The Secret Service confirmed they are investigating the incident, praising the agent who spotted the weapon and engaged the suspect.

Heavy security measures have been implemented around Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property and nearby golf course.

President Joe Biden expressed relief at Trump’s safety and condemned the incident, while Vice President Kamala Harris called for an end to political violence.

This incident comes just two months after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, injuring the former president’s ear.

The Secret Service faced intense scrutiny after that incident, leading to the resignation of the agency director.

Read More