Suspect with AK-47 Arrested at Trump International Golf Club After Alleged Assassination Attempt

Person speaking at podium with flags in background.

An armed suspect was arrested at Trump International Golf Club, where former President Donald Trump was present, in an alarming security breach.

At a Glance

Former President Donald Trump is safe after an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course.
A suspect, Ryan Routh, is in custody.
Secret Service agents spotted a rifle barrel in bushes and opened fire.
An AK47-style firearm, scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera were found at the scene.
The vehicle was stopped in Martin County, and the suspect was detained.

Trump’s Safety Secured Amidst Apparent Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday afternoon, and a ‘potential suspect’, named as Ryan Routh by several media outlets, is in custody, US authorities have confirmed.

The incident took place at Trump International Golf Club, where Trump was reportedly on the premises at the time. The quick response by law enforcement and Secret Service agents prevented what could have been a tragic event. Sheriff William Snyder praised the swift action of the local authorities in averting the threat.

The Response from Law Enforcement

Martin County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Secret Service agents, managed to apprehend Ryan Wesley Routh, aged 58, who was found with an AK-47 rifle and tactical gear. The suspect fled the scene but was later captured by authorities after being spotted by a witness.

A witness recounted that he saw Routh fleeing in a black Nissan car after the Secret Service agents engaged the suspect. The vehicle was intercepted by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, leading to Routh’s arrest.

Presence of Necessary Equipment and Firearms

At the scene, law enforcement recovered an AK47-style firearm, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera. This has only heightened the ongoing concerns about security, particularly concerning high-profile figures like former President Trump.

We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents, but for sure our agents were able to engage with the suspect, said Rafael Barros from the Secret Service Miami Field Office.

Trump was the subject of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI says | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/2bBVv2VGPn

— WLWT (@WLWT) September 16, 2024

Statements from Key Figures

In a statement, President Joe Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. Similarly, Vice-President Kamala Harris condemned political violence and praised the law enforcement agencies for their quick action. US media has since confirmed that Routh has a criminal history in North Carolina.

“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed”, Biden said in a statement.

Ongoing Investigations and Enhanced Security

The Secret Service confirmed they are investigating the incident alongside other federal and state agencies. Also, heavy security has been imposed around Mar-a-Lago and the nearby golf course, ensuring the protection of former President Trump and his family.

Former President Donald Trump is "safe and unharmed" after a second possible assassination attempt, this time while he was playing golf in Florida.

The suspect fled after a Secret Service agent fired shots at him, but he was later arrested around 50 miles away. pic.twitter.com/AOBdOK2BTd

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) September 16, 2024

This incident echoes the previous assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, leading to the resignation of the Secret Service’s director. Trump assured his supporters through an email, stating he is “safe and well” and vowed to continue his activities despite the threat.

“Nothing will slow me down”, Trump declared. “I will never surrender!”