FBI investigating what they call an attempted assassination on former President Trump, suspect identified

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man with an AK-style rifle pushed the firearm’s muzzle through the perimeter of Donald Trump’s West Palm Beach, Florida golf course Sunday as the Republican presidential candidate was playing a round, prompting U.S. Secret Service to open fire, according to three law enforcement officials. The former president is safe and unharmed.

The person dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV, and was later apprehended in a neighboring county, the officials said. The officials were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

An AK-style firearm was recovered at the scene near Trump’s golf course, two of the officials said. And no injuries were reported.

The incident was the latest jarring moment in a campaign year marked by unprecedented upheaval. It occurred roughly two months after Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear. Only a week later, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

The golf course was partially shut down for Trump as he played, and agents were a few holes ahead of him when they noticed the person with the firearm, the officials said. There are several areas around the perimeter of the property where golfers are visible from the fence line. Secret Service agents and officers in golf carts and on ATVs generally secure the area several holes ahead and behind Trump when he golfs. Agents also usually bring an armored vehicle onto the course to quickly shelter Trump should a threat arise.

Trump is back at Mar-a-Lago , according to a person familiar with the events who spoke on condition of anonymity as the response was unfolding.

Suspect arrested, incident under investigation

The incident is under investigation, according to several authorities speaking at a press conference shortly after the incident. They are investigating it as an “attempted assassination.”

A representative with the FBI said they are asking the public to avoid the area around the golf course. 

“We’ve deployed a number of resources, including investigative teams,” said. “What we need right now is for the public to avoid the area around the golf course.” 

Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for Palm Beach County, says their prosecutors are working up warrants for the suspect, who is in custody. 

Suspect identified 

Authorities identified Ryan Wesley Routh as the gunman, and said he was arrested in a neighboring county after fleeing in an SUV. They are working to determine a motive.

President Joe Biden releases statement

I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.

A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their…

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 16, 2024