Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw recently provided details regarding an incident where gunfire was reported near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach around 2 PM ET. Former President Donald Trump was approximately 300-500 yards away from the location when a Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of an AK-47-style rifle protruding through a fence, just as Trump was due to arrive at a particular hole on the course.
Authorities noted the suspect was equipped with a GoPro camera to presumably record the event. Though it remains uncertain whether any shots were fired by the suspect, the Secret Service agent did discharge four to six rounds towards the would-be assailant, who subsequently abandoned the firearm in a nearby bush. While the identity of the suspect was not immediately disclosed, law enforcement managed to detain this individual in Martin County shortly after the incident with support from an observant bystander who witnessed the suspect fleeing the scene.
The investigation has been handed over to FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Beltre, who urged the public to come forward with any relevant information. This protective incident involving Donald Trump is now under thorough investigation by both the U.S. Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
This recent event represents the second threat on Trump this summer. His campaign team confirmed his safety but did not provide further details. A Secret Service spokesperson also confirmed Trump’s safety and mentioned that more information would be shared soon.
Not long before this incident, a sniper targeted Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, leading to the deaths of two individuals and minor injuries to Trump, specifically a wound in the ear for which he had to wear a bandage for several weeks. Nevertheless, he has recovered from the injury.
Following the incident, Trump released a statement confirming his safety and defiantly declared that he would never capitulate, regardless of the opposition. Further, the FBI issued a statement characterizing the event as a potential assassination attempt on the former President. Charges against the suspect are pending, with expectations of both state and federal charges being filed.
The incident underscores the grave security challenges faced by public figures, exemplified by a vehicle associated with the suspect that was found damaged, presumably during the quick response by security personnel. The investigation is actively ongoing to pin down the precise motives and details of the attempt on Trump’s life.
