Former U.S. president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told supporters he was safe and unharmed after a second apparent assassination attempt on his life ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections.
Federal authorities arrested the suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, within 500 yards of the former president as he was golfing with a friend at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In a statement, Trump said that he was “safe and well” despite the incident.
“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,” said Trump in an email to supporters.
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”
The incident was the second attempted assassination after a July shooting resulted in Trump being grazed by a bullet at a rally in Pennsylvania.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, authorities were “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination” targeting Trump.
A Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel and engaged the suspect by firing several shots in the attempted shooter’s direction, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
“The US Secret Service personnel opened fire on a gunman located near the property line and this matter is under investigation,” a Secret Service representative said.
Subsequently, the suspect fled in a car and police discovered an “AK-47 style rifle with a scope” and a backpack with ceramic tile, as well as a GoPro camera.
“No statement right now as far as his involvement in the incident and there’s further investigation to be completed,” said Bradshaw.
According to reports, a witness saw the suspect flee the area and get into his vehicle after police spotted him.
Both sitting U.S President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris released statements following the attempted assassination.
“I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former President is unharmed,” wrote Biden.
Harris wrote in a statement that “violence has no place in” the U.S. and that she was “glad to hear that Donald Trump is safe.”
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