In a tense incident on Sunday afternoon, former President Donald Trump was swiftly escorted to safety by the U.S. Secret Service after agents engaged an armed suspect near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, Secret Service agents spotted an individual pointing what appeared to be the barrel of a gun through the fence near the golf course where Trump was playing. The agents immediately fired multiple shots at the suspect, who then fled the scene in an SUV.
The former president was unharmed and quickly taken to a secure location as a precautionary measure. A suspect was later apprehended by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on I-95, and an AK-style rifle was recovered from the scene.
"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity," stated Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump campaign. "No further details are available at this time."
The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, is actively investigating the incident, which occurred just before 2 p.m. local time. The FBI has also joined the investigation and is treating the event as an apparent assassination attempt.
"I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America," said Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's Democratic opponent in the upcoming presidential election.
This incident comes just two months after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The former president, who was grazed by a bullet in that incident, remains committed to his campaign for the White House in 2024.
"He is one of the strongest people I've ever known," said Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., after speaking with Trump following Sunday's events. "He's in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country."
The Secret Service and local authorities continue to work together to determine the motive behind the latest attack on the former president. Trump is expected to continue his campaign schedule in the coming week, with a town hall in Flint, Michigan, and a rally on Long Island, New York.