Here’s what we know so far.
The FBI is investigating what “appears to be” another assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The agency said Trump was targeted by a gunman at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday — just nine weeks after he survived an attempt on his life. Here’s what we know so far:
The shooting at Trump Golf Course
While the presidential nominee was playing at his course, U.S. Secret Service agents noticed a man pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope at Trump, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference. The agents fired at the gunman, who was hiding in shrubbery about 400 to 500 yards away. The suspect dropped his weapon and fled in a black Nissan, leaving behind two backpacks containing “ceramic tile” and a GoPro camera.
Bradshaw said a witness took a picture of the car and its tag. Law enforcement officials used that information to track the vehicle on I-95, where officers were able to detain the suspect.
Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder told a local news station that the suspect was not armed and appeared to show little emotion when he was pulled over.
Who is the suspect?
A U.S. law enforcement official identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old from Hawaii, the New York Times reports. The official spoke to the Times on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Routh is expected to undergo a “mental health assessment” before any potential charges are filed. He was convicted of possessing a machine gun in 2002, after allegedly leading authorities in a vehicle chase. He wrote a post on X in 2020 suggesting that he voted for Trump in 2016, but later changed his mind.
“While you were my choice in 2106, I and the world hoped that president Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointment and it seems you are getting worse and devolving,” he posted. “I will be glad when you gone.”
Routh appears to have written extensively about the war in Ukraine and his desire to combat Russia, and was interviewed by the New York Times on the subject last year. Since the invasion in 2022, he’s posted repeatedly expressed his support for Ukraine, and willingness to die for the cause. He appears to have flown out there to offer his services.
“I AM WILLING TO FLY TO KRAKOW AND GO TO THE BORDER OF UKRAINE TO VOLUNTEER AND FIGHT AND DIE…Can I be the example We must win,” he posted to X in March that year.
Following the attempt on Trump’s life this July, he wrote to President Biden and Kamala Harris on X: “You and Biden should visit the injured people in the hospital from the Trump rally and attend the funeral of the murdered fireman. Trump will never do anything for them.”
What has Trump said about the attack?
Trump is safe and unharmed. Shortly after the incident, he wrote in an email to his supporters: “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!”
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” he continued.
He took to Truth Social in the evening to address his followers in his first public statement since the incident
“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” he wrote. “Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
J.D. Vance said he was relieved that his running mate is safe, and seems “amazingly, in good spirits.”
In an update to staff, Trump’s campaign managers said that an “evil monster” had tried to take the former president’s life, adding “this is not a matter that we take lightly.”
“As we enter the last 50 days of President Trump’s campaign, we must remember that we will only be able Save America from those who seek to destroy it by working together as one team,” the memo said per NBC News. “President Trump and Senator Vance expect the best from us, and we must perform every day.”
VP Kamala Harris also said she’s “glad” Trump is safe, adding that “violence has no place in America.”
“I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today,” she said in a statement. “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.” She went on to thank the Secret Service, and affirm that the Biden administration will ensure it has every resource necessary to “carry out its critical mission.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for more updates.
