The FBI is currently heading the investigation into the incident, and the gunman has been taken into custody.
 |
| Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at Harry Reid International Airport to board a plane after a campaign trip in Las Vegas on Sept.14, 2024. |
(NEWS UPDATE USA FAST)-- The FBI announced last Sept. 15 that former President Donald Trump was the target of a suspected second assassination attempt in two months, an incident occurring near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was playing golf.
In a statement to The Epoch Times, the FBI acknowledged that it was indeed investigating what appeared to be an assassination attempt against the former president. The U.S. Secret Service further discussed the incident at a news briefing by stating that one of their agents fired upon a suspected gunman "located near the property line." The incident remains under official investigation.
Saved his sister from an attacking dog. more:
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the police recovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks full of "ceramic tile," and one GoPro camera. A Secret Service agent, who was stationed ahead of Trump on the course, reportedly saw the rifle barrel and sprang into action, prompting the suspect to flee.
Photos from law enforcement released also revealed that there were two black bags that hung from a chain-link fence overlooking the golf course. The firearm was fitted between the two bags, and the GoPro camera, with its built-in light, was attached to the side.
This incident comes just two months after a prior assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. During the event, Trump was shot in the ear, leaving one rallygoer dead, with two others injured. The Secret Service faced criticism for failing to prevent the 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, from opening fire from a rooftop 400 feet away.
Trump had just returned to Florida following a tour of the West Coast campaign, which included a rally in Las Vegas on September 13 and a Utah fundraiser. The latest attempt occurred at the Trump International Golf Club, about 4.5 miles from his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Sheriff Bradshaw reported that the suspect was from 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, but he said such a distance presented a serious threat with the rifle and scope involved. The suspect seemed to film the incident because a GoPro was found hanging on the fence near the fourth or fifth hole of the course.
In fact, Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg is leading efforts to secure a warrant and detention before trial against the suspect in this case.
Earlier today, authorities in Martin County, Florida arrested a suspect they say was connected to reports of shots fired near former President Trump. Sheriff Bradshaw said a witness was key to finding the suspect. That witness reportedly observed the individual coming out of the bushes and into a black Nissan and got a photo of the car and its license plate.
Bradshaw added that the information was given to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, which contributed to the arrest of the suspect on I-95. The identity and motive of the suspect were not released, but Sheriff William Snyder of Martin County described the suspect at the time of arrest as relatively calm, adding the suspect didn't exhibit much emotion and didn't ask why he was being arrested.
A statement from Trump's campaign and confirmation from the U.S. Secret Service have assured people that the former president is safe. No one was injured. Trump himself sent an email with the words: "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! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURREND
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also briefed on the incident, the White House said, and were kept updated on the investigation. The White House said it was relieved that Trump was unharmed. Harris repeated the message in an X post: "Violence has no place in America, and I am glad Trump is safe."
Harris's running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, also shared his thoughts on the incident and expressed his appreciation that Trump was not injured. He went on to say that there is no room for violence in America. Finally, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined the chorus of people who condemned the unacceptability of political violence.
Georgia school now, but the possibility of federal charges remains a consideration. more:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Sunday evening the state was going to launch an investigation into the attempted attack against former President Donald Trump.
The State of Florida will conduct its own investigation into the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club, wrote DeSantis in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The public has a right to know the truth about the would-be assassin and how they were able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee, he added.