Former United States President and Republican nominee for the 2024 US elections, Donald Trump has survived a second assassination attempt after shots were fired near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 15, 2024, reports said.The suspect of the shooting has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh. He has been arrested by officials and the attack is under investigation, AP reported citing officials.
Routh reportedly dropped his weapon and fled in an SUV and was later taken into custody in a neighbouring county, authorities told AP. His motive is unclear.
Local authorities said the gunman had two backpacks hanging on a fence and a GoPro camera.
Routh was convicted in 2002 of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, according to North Carolina Department of Adult Correction online records.
This shooting incident comes just months ahead of the November 2024 US presidential elections and only two months after Trump was first shot at during an election rally. The AP reported that US Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a person with a firearm near the golf course on Sunday.
An AK-style firearm was recovered near the golf course, the AP reported.
Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi in a statement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), said that the Secret Service is investigating âa protective incident involving Trump” which happened shortly before 2 pm on September 15.
In a fundraising email, Trump assured his supporters and addressed the situation, stating, âThere were gunshots in my vicinity, but I want you to hear this from me first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Before rumours get out of hand, know that I am okay. Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always appreciate your support.”
Trumpâs campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that the 2024 Republican presidential nominee âis safe following gunshots in his vicinity” and didnât provide further details.