Report: Trump was subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, FBI says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI announced Sunday that it is investigating “what appears to be an attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred just nine weeks after Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, survived a previous assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump confirmed he was safe and unharmed following the latest incident.
According to law enforcement officials, the U.S. Secret Service opened fire on a man seen pointing an AK-style rifle into the Trump International Golf Club as the former president was playing a round of golf. The armed suspect fled the scene in an SUV but was later apprehended in a neighboring county. Officials speaking on the condition of anonymity revealed that an AK-style firearm was recovered near the golf course, and no injuries were reported.
This alarming incident adds to a turbulent campaign season marked by escalating security concerns. In July, Trump narrowly escaped injury after being shot at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. That event led to heightened security measures for the former president, including the installation of bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies and an armored vehicle present during his golf outings.
Trump reassured his supporters through an email sent shortly after the incident, stating: “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!” He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Law enforcement officials reported that Secret Service agents, who were patrolling several holes ahead of Trump, noticed the individual with the firearm and took swift action. The perimeter of the golf club is known to have areas where golfers can be seen from the fence line, which poses potential security vulnerabilities.
Trump had been returning to Florida after a West Coast campaign swing that included a rally in Las Vegas and a fundraiser in Utah. His golf course was partially shut down for the former president during the Sunday round, with heightened security measures in place following the July assassination attempt.
The White House issued a statement confirming that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the situation and would continue to receive updates on the investigation. Both expressed relief that Trump was safe.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to determine the motive behind the attack and any possible connections to prior threats.
