Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump faced an assassination attempt on September 15, 2024, while golfing in West Palm Beach.
- The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was apprehended after fleeing the scene.
- Authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle and other items indicating premeditation.
- Routh has a criminal history and had shifted from a Trump supporter to a vocal critic.
- The FBI is leading the investigation, with both state and federal charges expected.
- Trump was unharmed and remains committed to his 2024 presidential campaign.
Attempted Assassination on Former President Trump: Suspect Apprehended at Golf Club
West Palm Beach, FL – September 15, 2024:
Former President Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt while golfing at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The incident unfolded at around 1:30 PM, when Secret Service agents identified a man hiding in the bushes with an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a scope. The man, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, fled the scene after being spotted but was apprehended shortly after in Martin County, Florida. Fortunately, no one was injured, and Trump was unharmed during the attack.
Details of the Incident
Secret Service agents, who routinely secure the area during Trump’s public outings, first spotted Routh near holes five and six of the golf course. He was positioned about 400 yards from the former president, with a clear line of sight to his target. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the agents noticed the barrel of Routh’s rifle protruding from his hiding spot. One agent fired at the suspect, prompting him to flee in a vehicle.
The area was immediately sealed off by law enforcement, and a witness provided key details, including a photograph of Routh’s vehicle, which led to his arrest. Inside the suspect’s hiding spot, authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, ceramic tiles that could deflect bullets, and a GoPro camera, suggesting the attack was premeditated and intended to be documented(Examiner).
Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?
Routh, a North Carolina native and long-time resident of Hawaii, has a criminal history involving weapons violations and terrorist threats. He was an outspoken critic of Trump in recent years, despite voting for him in the 2016 election. Routh’s online presence reflects shifting political views, having expressed support for Democratic candidates and criticized U.S. foreign policy. His recent activities included controversial statements about the war in Ukraine, where he advocated for sending foreign troops to aid the country’s fight against Russia(Examiner).
In addition to his political activities, Routh had been working on a self-published e-book and maintained an online presence discussing geopolitical issues. His past comments and erratic behavior are now under scrutiny as authorities work to determine the full motive behind the assassination attempt.
FBI Investigation Underway
The FBI has taken charge of the investigation, treating the event as a federal case of attempted assassination. The bureau is collaborating with the Secret Service and local law enforcement to piece together Routh’s motivations and any potential connections to extremist groups. The state attorney for Palm Beach County has confirmed that Routh faces both state and federal charges, including attempted murder, weapons violations, and potential terrorism-related offenses(Examiner).
Reaction from Trump and Public Officials
In the aftermath of the incident, Trump reassured his supporters with a statement: “I AM SAFE AND WELL. Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” Trump’s running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, also confirmed that the former president was in good spirits after the incident. Trump’s safety during this campaign period has been a growing concern after surviving a previous assassination attempt in July 2024, when he was shot and grazed in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Despite the heightened security concerns, Trump’s campaign remains undeterred, with his team emphasizing that he will continue to make public appearances and lead his re-election bid(Examiner).
The Larger Context: A String of Attempts
This recent assassination attempt marks the second time in two months that Trump has been targeted. In July, an attacker at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, fired a shot that grazed Trump’s ear. That incident left one bystander dead and two others injured. These attempts come as Trump continues his presidential campaign for the 2024 election, maintaining a significant presence despite legal challenges and a highly polarized political climate.
Security experts have noted that as Trump remains a polarizing figure, the risk of similar attacks is likely to persist. The Secret Service is expected to enhance its security measures to mitigate future threats.