Mon Sep 16 17:55:21 UTC 2024: ## Former President Trump Targeted in Apparent Assassination Attempt

**West Palm Beach, FL** – A suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended by Florida authorities following an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course.

According to a criminal complaint, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent near the tree line of the Trump International Golf Club, allegedly lurking with a loaded rifle. The agent fired at the suspect, who then fled the scene in a vehicle. Law enforcement later recovered a rifle, a backpack, and other items from the area.

Routh was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He appeared in court on Monday morning, where he was ordered to return for a pre-detention hearing on September 23.

The FBI is conducting an extensive investigation into the incident, examining Routh’s social media activity, travel history, and criminal record. Authorities are also looking into his potential grievances related to Trump’s stance on Ukraine, as Routh has made recent social media posts critical of the former president.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the incident, calling for an end to political violence and emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of former presidents. Biden also expressed his belief that the Secret Service requires additional resources, calling on Congress to address their needs.

Trump, who was reportedly on the fifth hole of the golf course when the incident occurred, expressed gratitude for the quick response of the Secret Service and law enforcement. “It was certainly an interesting day!” he wrote on Truth Social.

This incident comes just nine weeks after Trump was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI is treating this incident as a serious threat and is committed to holding those responsible accountable.

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