Donald Trump Survives Another Assassination Attempt at West Palm Beach Golf Club, Suspect in Custody

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf club on Sunday, marking the second such incident in just nine weeks. The FBI has confirmed the event as an "attempted assassination." Trump, the current Republican presidential candidate, reassured his supporters that he was unharmed and in good health.

US Secret Service agents stationed on the course noticed a gunman armed with an AK-style rifle, positioned about 400 yards away, concealed in shrubbery near one of the golf holes. A quick-reacting agent fired at the suspect, who then dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV. The shooter left behind two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera. Law enforcement later apprehended the suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh, in a neighboring county, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

In a message to supporters, Trump addressed the incident, writing, "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 added, "Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!" Trump returned to his residence at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the incident, as confirmed by a source familiar with his movements.

The attempted assassination raises further concerns about the effectiveness of Secret Service protection, following another attempt on Trump's life in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. Since then, Trump's security has been significantly increased, with bulletproof glass enclosures now a standard feature at outdoor rallies and dump trucks being used as barriers outside Trump Tower.

Routh, the suspect in custody, reportedly has a controversial past. He was known for attempting to recruit Afghan soldiers fleeing the Taliban to fight in Ukraine and had spent months in the country. The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Attorney General Merrick Garland is being updated regularly on the case.

Trump's schedule includes a town hall in Michigan on Tuesday, followed by a rally in Long Island, New York, on Wednesday. The former president’s team has not indicated whether these events will be affected by the recent developments.

The attempted assassination comes amid a highly volatile political climate, with Trump recently surviving another assassination attempt in July. This incident occurred shortly before Democratic President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris to step in as the Democratic nominee.