FBI Investigates Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump at Florida Golf Course

Matilda Omonaiye/

The FBI is investigating another apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump after an armed suspect was spotted near his West Palm Beach golf course in Florida on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, who was seen near the perimeter of the golf course carrying an AK-style rifle. Trump was on the course at the time, golfing with longtime friend and adviser Steve Witkoff. Neither Trump nor Witkoff was harmed, and both were swiftly moved to safety by Secret Service agents.

According to law enforcement, the incident unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. when Secret Service agents noticed the suspect near shrubbery about 300 to 500 yards from Trump’s location. The agents opened fire after the suspect pushed his rifle through a fence line. The suspect fled the scene in a black Nissan SUV but was apprehended by authorities on I-95 in nearby Martin County.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that the suspect was unarmed at the time of his arrest, though the AK-style rifle and additional items, including backpacks and a GoPro camera, were recovered from the scene.

Witnesses played a critical role in the swift apprehension, with one bystander photographing the suspect’s vehicle and assisting police in tracking him down using a license plate reader.

This is the second reported assassination attempt on Trump in less than nine weeks, heightening concerns for his safety as he remains a prominent political figure. The FBI is treating the case as a potential assassination attempt, though the motive remains unclear.

Trump responded to the incident by assuring his supporters of his safety, writing, “I AM SAFE AND WELL!” in an email, while vowing that nothing would deter him, stating, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work to determine the full details surrounding the incident.

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