FBI Probes Shots Fired Near Trump in Frightening Assassination Attempt; Ex-President Unharmed

WASHINGTON — Federal authorities have launched an investigation into a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump following an incident on Sunday near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Gunshots were reported while Trump was on the golf course as part of his GOP presidential campaign activities.

The FBI characterized the event as an “attempted assassination,” according to a statement to States Newsroom. Law enforcement has confirmed that a male suspect is now in custody.

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” stated Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump campaign, shortly after the incident occurred around 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Jeffrey Veltri, the special agent in charge at the FBI’s Miami office, announced that the bureau is leading the investigation during a press briefing hosted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw informed reporters that a Secret Service agent assigned to protect Trump spotted a rifle emerging from the bushes adjacent to the golf course. “The Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job,” he remarked, detailing how the agent, positioned one hole ahead of Trump, quickly identified the threat.

According to Bradshaw, the suspect was armed with an AK-47 style rifle equipped with a scope, and was also carrying two backpacks filled with ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee in a black Nissan, and local law enforcement successfully intercepted the vehicle in Martin County.

“They spotted the vehicle and pulled it over and detained the guy,” Bradshaw noted, confirming the witness was able to identify the driver as the individual seen exiting the bushes.

The suspect was approximately 300 to 500 yards away from Trump at the time, raising concerns about the gravity of the situation. “With a rifle and a scope like that, that’s not a long distance,” Bradshaw added.

Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service, confirmed via social media prior to the press conference that the incident was a protective situation involving Trump, and emphasized that the former president was safe.

The golf club is situated about four miles from Trump’s primary residence at Mar-a-Lago.

In reaction to the news, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, shared that he had spoken with Trump, who was “in good spirits.” He expressed gratitude for Trump’s safety while reflecting on the seriousness of the situation.

Vice President Kamala Harris, also responding on social media, issued a statement expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. “Violence has no place in America,” she declared.

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, stating that both he and Harris were relieved by Trump’s safety and would continue to receive updates regarding the investigation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer commended the Secret Service for their prompt response, remarking that political violence has no place in the country and that those responsible must face full legal consequences.

This troubling incident follows an earlier assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. In response, Congress established a bipartisan task force to investigate that attack. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, the Republican chair of the task force, and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, the top Democrat, expressed their concern about political violence and called for a briefing from the Secret Service regarding the situation in West Palm Beach.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, a member of the investigative task force, underscored the urgency of addressing ongoing threats against Trump and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to their work for his protection.