FBI Investigates Alleged Assassination Attempt On Former President Donald Trump
The FBI announced it is investigating an “attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump after Secret Service agents shot at a man armed with an AK-47 near Trump’s Palm Beach golf course in Florida. Trump’s campaign spokesperson confirmed that the former president is safe, and law enforcement sources told ABC News that a suspect is in custody.
The incident follows an earlier shooting two months ago in which Trump was injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that the gunman came within 300 to 500 yards of Trump before agents opened fire, shooting four to six rounds. The suspect dropped the weapon and fled, later being tracked down by authorities using witness reports of his vehicle’s license plate. The suspect was arrested without incident. At the scene, police recovered an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, a GoPro camera, and ceramic tiles.
Sheriff Bradshaw noted that security was not as tight as it would have been if Trump were still the sitting president, suggesting increased security during future visits.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concerns about the Secret Service’s performance, suggesting the agency should be moved from the Department of Homeland Security back under the Treasury Department for better focus.
A Republican source told ABC News that Trump heard “popping sounds” near the 5th hole of the golf course but remained in good spirits after the incident. Trump later sent a fundraising email confirming his safety and stating, “there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us,” and reiterated his resolve in a follow-up message.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the situation and expressed relief at Trump’s safety. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the incident, stating that “political violence has no place in this country” and urging the full prosecution of the perpetrator.
