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5 things to know about the apparent assassination attempt on Trump at one of his golf courses
''5 things to know about the apparent assassination attempt on Trump at one of his golf courses''
Five Key Things to Know About the Attempted Assassination on Donald Trump at His Golf Course------
On Sunday, former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt while playing golf at one of his properties in West Palm Beach, Florida. Despite the seriousness of the event, Trump emerged unscathed, and the suspect is now in custody. Here are five critical details you should know about this alarming incident:
1. The Suspect: Ryan Wesley Routh
The man arrested at the scene has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. According to law enforcement officials who spoke with the Associated Press under conditions of anonymity, Routh was apprehended after pointing an AK-style rifle at Trump while he was playing golf. Routh has a complex history, with his past actions and political affiliations reflecting a mix of ideologies.
Routh, originally from North Carolina, had relocated to Hawaii in 2018, where he ran a business with his son. He also harbored strong views on international conflicts, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. He had posted extensively on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), often expressing a desire to fight in Ukraine. Despite his intense focus on the war, authorities clarified that Routh was never part of the Ukrainian military.
While his online presence initially indicated support for Democratic candidates and causes, including backing Tulsi Gabbard in 2020 and later expressing favor toward Joe Biden, his stance on Donald Trump fluctuated. He was supportive of Trump’s actions in 2020 but grew more critical in recent years. Notably, Routh urged President Biden and Vice President Harris to acknowledge those affected by a previous assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania earlier this year. Voter records show Routh registered as unaffiliated in North Carolina but participated in the Democratic primary in March 2024.
Routh's past interactions with law enforcement include a 2002 conviction in North Carolina for possession of a weapon of mass destruction. This charge stemmed from a standoff with police after Routh was pulled over during a traffic stop.
2. How the Incident Unfolded
Local authorities explained that the gunman had positioned himself 400 to 500 yards away from Trump, hiding in dense shrubbery on the golf course. While Trump was playing a round of golf, Secret Service agents spotted the man and acted swiftly. The agents fired shots at the suspect, ultimately preventing him from getting closer to the former president.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted that security measures were not as extensive as they would have been had Trump still been in office. Since Trump is no longer president, Secret Service security is concentrated in high-priority areas. However, Trump’s visibility and ongoing presidential campaign mean his security detail remains robust.
The incident comes just two months after another attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Pennsylvania, where security had been increased following threats against Trump from Iran.
3. Trump’s Response
In a statement sent to his supporters shortly after the incident, Trump reassured them that he was safe: “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 also expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick response, calling them “brave and dedicated Patriots.”
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, confirmed that they had spoken to the former president after the incident. Both said that Trump was in good spirits. Trump’s response was further shared on social media, where he lightheartedly lamented that the ordeal interrupted his golf game: he had been on track for a birdie putt when the shots were fired.
4. Political Reactions
Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election, took to X to express her relief that Trump was unharmed. “Violence has no place in America,” Harris wrote. The White House echoed these sentiments, with President Joe Biden and Harris receiving briefings on the situation and expressing relief that the former president was safe.
The attempted assassination has reignited concerns over political violence in the U.S. A bipartisan task force in Congress, formed after the July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, is now seeking answers from the Secret Service about the circumstances surrounding both attacks. Representatives from both parties, including U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, expressed deep concern about the rise in politically motivated violence.
5. What Happens Next?
Despite the severity of the incident, Trump has not announced any changes to his campaign schedule. He is set to speak at an event later this week, where he will launch a new crypto platform with his sons at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continues its investigation into the attempted assassination. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe is scheduled to brief Trump in person about the ongoing probe. Congress is also closely monitoring developments, with a bipartisan group leading the charge for greater scrutiny into the security lapses that allowed the attacker to get so close to Trump.
The rising frequency of attempts on Trump’s life, combined with the political tensions surrounding the 2024 election, has underscored the need for enhanced protections for high-profile political figures in the U.S.
Conclusion
The apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump while golfing in Florida serves as a reminder of the increasing political tensions and the lengths some individuals may go to act on their beliefs. As the investigation continues, the nation watches closely, not only for the safety of its leaders but also for the broader implications such incidents have on the political landscape and national security.
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