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By Ewan Palmer
News Reporter
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Donald Trump has praised the Secret Service and law enforcement following an apparent assassination attempt against the former president on Sunday in Florida.
In a post on social media, Trump thanked those who expressed their concerns following what he described as an "interesting day" at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
A suspect, identified as Ryan Routh, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle poking out of a bush at the golf course. The agents were sweeping the area, and were one hole ahead Trump as he was playing golf, police said.
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Agents opened fire at the suspected gunman, who fled the scene before later being apprehended. The suspect didn't fire at Trump, and the former president was not harmed during the incident.
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"I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes - It was certainly an interesting day," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, [Palm Beach County] Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
In a later statement, Trump added: "I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again."
The Context
The incident at Palm Beach was the second assassination attempt against Trump in just over two months.
On July 13, Trump was left with minor injuries after a gunman opened fire while he was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One Trump supporter was killed and two others seriously injured in the shooting.
The Secret Service faced major criticism for a security failure that resulted in 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks being able to make his way onto a nearby roof armed with an AR-15 style rifle to fire at Trump.
Former Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned from her role on July 23, a day after she was grilled by Congress over the security lapses that led up to the assassination attempt.
What We Know
The FBI on Sunday said it was joining the investigation into the latest incident.
"The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump," the agency told Newsweek.
In a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Bradshaw said that the suspected gunman was able to get within around 300 to 500 yards of the former president armed with what is believed to be an AK-47-style rifle.
"The golf course is surrounded by shrubbery, so when somebody gets into the shrubbery, they're pretty much out of sight," Bradshaw said.
After an agent "immediately engaged" with the person holding the rifle, the suspect fled, leaving behind his firearm, a scope, two bags and a GoPro camera, according to Bradshaw.
"The Secret Service did exactly what should have been done," he added.
Routh was later detained by police 37 miles from the golf course while driving in a black Nissan.
A social media profile believed to belong to Routh indicates that he strongly supported Ukraine's effort in fighting the Russian invasion, and he reportedly traveled to Ukraine immediately after the conflict started in 2022.
Authorities haven't yet established a motive for the alleged assassination attempt against Trump.
Speaking to CNN, the suspect's son, Oran Routh, described the 58-year-old as "a loving and caring father" and an "honest hardworking man."
"I don't know what has happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion, because from the little I've heard it doesn't sound like the man I know to do anything crazy, much less violent," he said.
Secret Service Special Agent Rafael Barros, who is in charge of the Miami Field Office, thanked the bureau's law enforcement partners in a statement to Newsweek on Sunday, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
"Former President Donald Trump is safe and unharmed following a protective incident shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday at Trump International Golf Club at West Palm Beach," Barros said.
"Secret Service personnel opened fire on a gunman located near the property line and this matter is under investigation," he said.
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Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's 2024 election rival, said in a statement: "I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.
"I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our Administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission."
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