Former President Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt on Sunday, September 15, 2024, while playing golf at his Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was found armed with an AK-47-style rifle and hiding in the bushes around 400 to 500 yards away from Trump.
Secret Service agents responded immediately, firing at Routh, who fled but was later captured by authorities. Trump was unharmed, and the FBI is now investigating the incident as an attempted assassination. This marks the second such attempt on Trump’s life in just over two months, following a July attack during a rally in Pennsylvania. Soon after the news came out, Trump issued a statement.
From Fox News:
Following the second assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, he reassured his supporters that he was “safe and well.”“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!” the former president said in a fundraising email sent out following the shooting.
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me,” Trump continued.
Shots rang out as Trump was on the golf course, leading to his swift evacuation by Secret Service agents. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Trump remained composed, praising law enforcement and the Secret Service for their actions. “The job done was absolutely outstanding. I am very proud to be an American!” he said in a public statement.
Authorities revealed that Routh had been carrying a rifle, two backpacks with ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera, possibly indicating plans to film the attack. As the investigations continue, questions are being raised about the adequacy of Trump’s security detail, with Governor Ron DeSantis announcing a state-level investigation into how the gunman managed to get so close to the former president.
Following the assassination attempt, Trump quickly reassured his supporters that he was “safe and well.” In a fundraising email sent shortly after the incident, he addressed concerns head-on: “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!” Trump emphasized that nothing would deter him from his mission, stating, “I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.” His words are likely to resonate with voters, especially as he continues his campaign for the presidency.
This second attempt on Trump’s life, just two months after a similar attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding his candidacy. Trump remains the frontrunner in the GOP race, and the assassination attempts have only solidified the resolve of his supporters. With multiple investigations now underway—including from the FBI, Secret Service, and Congress—the security situation around Trump is under intense scrutiny. Political figures like Rep. Ro Khanna have called for a bipartisan effort to expand security measures for the former president, underscoring the importance of his protection during this volatile political season.
These repeated attempts raise the stakes for Trump’s campaign, as any further attacks could have a serious impact on the election cycle. However, Trump’s message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is likely to further energize his supporters, who see these events as attacks on both him and American democracy. How authorities handle the ongoing investigations and potential security improvements could play a critical role in shaping the remainder of the campaign season.
Key Takeaways:
- Former President Donald Trump survived a second assassination attempt on September 15, 2024, at Trump’s golf course.
- Trump reassured his supporters via a fundraising email, confirming his safety and vowing that nothing would deter him from continuing his campaign for the 2024 presidency.
- The incident has triggered investigations by the FBI, Secret Service, the state of Florida, and Congress.
Source: Fox News
