The FBI revealed that Donald Trump was the subject of an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday in Florida, but both his campaign and law officials claimed he was uninjured and safe.
The US Secret Service verified that one or more of its agents “opened fire on a gunman” who was close to Trump’s golf course border. They also found a GoPro camera and a “AK-47 style rifle” with a scope.
The guy fled in a black sedan from the shrubbery he was hiding in during the altercation with the Secret Service. Police were able to locate the vehicle with the assistance of a witness in identifying it.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, “We have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect,” at a press conference.
One round ahead of the former president, Bradshaw reported, the would-be gunman was observed in bushes at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, which is not far from his Mar-a-Lago property.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity,” a statement from his campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung read. Kamala Harris, a Democratic contender for president, expressed relief that her opponent was not in danger.
In a statement for donations on his website, Trump stated, “Do not be alarmed! Nobody was harmed, and I’m all right. God be praised!”
It looks that this unsettling episode is the second attempt on Trump’s life in as many months. While giving a speech at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, the former president suffered an ear injury.
Not sure if the shot was taken
Officials speaking at the press conference on Sunday denied that the gunman had fired guns at the former president, but they did disclose that the Secret Service had fired shots.
Rafael Barros of the Secret Service stated, “We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents.”
According to the FBI, they are “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”
Authorities applauded the Secret Service’s prompt action. The organization has been under fire since it appeared to fail to identify and apprehend a gunman who was attempting to shoot Trump in Pennsylvania.
The Secret Service agents assigned to protect Trump, according to Sheriff Bradshaw, saw “this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged that individual, at which time the individual took off.”
Although the suspect was positioned between 300 and 500 yards (275 and 455 meters) away, in his estimation, “that’s not a long distance with a rifle and a scope like that.”
The prospective suspect who was pulled over and taken into custody by police had “a relatively calm, flat affect,” according to Sheriff William Snyder of the nearby Martin County, who made this statement on CNN. He wasn’t showing many signs of emotion.”
“Soothed”
There was no word on the shooter’s motive as of Sunday afternoon, but law enforcement was beginning a thorough investigation.
Concerns about both candidates’ safety and increased tensions in the razor-thin presidential contest accompanied the incident.
President Joe Biden issued a statement saying, “There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
“I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety.”
Harris, the vice president, said on social media, “I’m glad he’s safe.”
Numerous people who support Trump and those close to him, such as his running mate J.D. Vance, expressed their appreciation and support for the averted catastrophe.
According to Vance, “I’m glad President Trump is safe,” on X. “I spoke to him before the news was public and he was, amazingly, in good spirits.”
Since the shooting in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service, which is entrusted with defending presidents, previous presidents, and other dignitaries, has come under fire.
In the wake of the investigation, the agency’s chief, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned, and at least five agents were put on administrative leave.
The fourth-ranking Republican in the US House, Representative Elise Stefanik, praised law officials on Sunday for their efforts but expressed concerns about the most recent occurrence.
She stated in a statement, “We must ask ourselves how an assassin was allowed to get this close to President Trump again.”
“There continues to be a lack of answers for the horrific assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and we expect there to be a clear explanation of what happened today in Florida.”
