Gunshots Heard Nearby: Donald Trump’s Safety Confirmed

Man in suit speaking at podium with American flag.

The campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump confirms his safety after gunshots were reported nearby during a golf outing in West Palm Beach, Florida.

At a Glance

Donald Trump was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt at his golf club.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Secret Service agents engaged with the suspect, causing him to flee.
Trump confirmed his safety in an email to supporters.
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Apparent Assassination Attempt

The Trump campaign confirmed the safety of Donald Trump after an apparent assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents noticed a rifle muzzle through the shrubbery and opened fire, causing the suspect to flee. The incident occurred while Trump was golfing with his friend and donor Steve Witkoff.

The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county. Officers found an AK-style rifle, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera left behind by the suspect.

Public and Political Reaction

Trump reassured his supporters via email, 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! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

“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 wrote on social media. “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

The FBI and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating the incident. FBI officials described the event as an “attempted assassination.” Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving regular updates, and Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe is traveling to Florida to oversee the situation.

Donald Trump’s campaign says he is safe after gunshots were reported near him in Florida. The news comes roughly two months after he was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. https://t.co/AMUHltsQym

— Steven Porter (@reporterporter) September 15, 2024

Investigative Details and Further Actions

The suspect was apprehended quickly once a “be on the lookout” alert was issued. No motive has been determined. Social media profiles connected to the suspect show no direct threats but frequent political posts. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the full scope of the event.

The suspect was identified after a witness provided a photo of the license plate of the fleeing vehicle. Multiple political figures, including Sen. JD Vance, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have commented on the incident, expressing relief and condemning political violence.