Trump safe after Secret Service shoots armed suspect

U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire on a suspect armed with an AK-style firearm near former President Donald Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials. The shooting occurred while Trump, who was golfing at the club, was a few holes behind where the incident took place. The suspect, who initially fled the scene in an SUV, was later apprehended by local law enforcement in a neighboring county.

The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. as Secret Service agents observed the suspect pushing the rifle's muzzle through a fence line. The agents fired in response. An AK-style firearm was later recovered at the scene. The golf course was partially shut down to ensure Trump’s safety during the incident.

Trump's campaign and the Secret Service confirmed that the former president is safe. The Secret Service is investigating the shooting. This event follows a similar security scare two months ago when Trump survived a bullet grazing his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania.

No injuries were reported, and authorities quickly moved to secure the area. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office, acting on a “be on the lookout” alert, stopped and detained the suspect on northbound Interstate 95 near Palm City, approximately 45 miles north of the golf course. Northbound lanes of I-95 were temporarily closed.

White House officials, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have been briefed on the situation and are monitoring the investigation. Harris expressed relief that Trump is safe, stating that “violence has no place in America.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally of Trump, reported that Trump is in “good spirits” following the incident. Attorney General Merrick Garland is also receiving regular updates on the case from the Justice Department.

Trump has increased his security measures following the assassination attempt in July, which included heightened security at Trump Tower and bulletproof glass at rallies. The response to the incident at Trump’s golf club involved a significant emergency presence, including multiple unmarked SUVs and police vehicles, according to eyewitnesses.

Source: AP News