FBI Investigates Attempted Assassination of Trump in Florida

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is safe after what the FBI said was an apparent assassination attempt Sunday near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, the FBI said.

Law enforcement officials said at a news conference that they arrested a suspect who was spotted by Secret Service agents in the woods near the Trump National Golf Course carrying an AK-47 assault rifle. Secret Service agents shot the suspect, who fled in a black car.

Officers engaged the gunman, firing at least four magazines of ammunition at about 1:30 p.m. (1730 GMT). The gunman then dropped his rifle, two backpacks and other items and fled in a black Nissan.

The police chief said a witness saw the gunman and managed to take photos of his car and dashboard.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said the suspect was spotted 1,200 to 1,500 feet (365 to 457 meters) from where Trump was playing golf. "The Secret Service did exactly what they were supposed to do," he said.

#BREAKINGNEWS : Donald Trump was tackled by Secret Service on the fifth hole of his golf course at West Palm Beach amid shots being fired. The Secret Service swiftly covered and protected the former president, with snipers positioned to identify the source of the shots.… pic.twitter.com/cKUC2nlV80

- Sophie Rain Thread 🔥❤️ (@SophieRainForum) September 15, 2024

Authorities then sent an alert to devices across the state with the vehicle's data, which led to sheriff's deputies in neighboring Martin County successfully stopping and arresting the suspect on I-95.

“We have someone in custody right now,” Bradshaw said.

“Nothing will stop me,” Trump continued. “I will never give up! I will always love you for your support.”

“President Trump is safe after shots were heard in his vicinity,” White House communications director Stephen Cheung said Sunday.

“There are no further details at this time,” Cheung added.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on Twitter that his agency is working alongside the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office to investigate "a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. ET."

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Twitter on Sunday that she had “seen reports of a shooting near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe.”

“Violence has no place in America,” Harris added.

In Washington, the White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the shooting near former President Donald Trump.

The White House said in a statement, "The President and Vice President were briefed on the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe and will be updated regularly by their teams."

(Agencies)