On September 15, 2024, President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club. Ryan Routh, 58, of Hawaii, was arrested after attempting to approach President Trump with an AK-47 rifle and a GoPro camera.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that Routh was situated between 300 and 500 yards from President Trump when Secret Service agents intervened. Routh’s plan was to film the attack, but the Secret Service’s quick action prevented any harm. It is not yet known if Routh fired his weapon.
Bradshaw criticized the golf course’s security, noting that President Trump’s status as a candidate resulted in weaker protection compared to a sitting president. “If Trump were the sitting president, the entire golf course would have been surrounded,” Bradshaw said.
In response, President Trump assured supporters with a statement: “I am SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Routh’s political donations show support for Democrats such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX). This contrasts with his earlier support for Trump in the 2016 election.
President Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), expressed relief over Trump’s safety. This incident follows a similar assassination attempt in July, highlighting ongoing threats to the former president.
The FBI is investigating the incident, and heightened security measures are anticipated for future events involving President Trump. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the golf course area while the investigation continues.
