(NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump is safe after what law enforcement is investigating as a second “attempted assassination” Sunday at his Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach in Florida.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said a man, identified to NewsNation by a law enforcement source as Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly pushed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle through the fence perimeter of the golf course near where the former president was playing a round of golf around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
A U.S. Secret Service agent saw the rifle and opened fire at the man, who fled the scene, leaving behind the firearm, a GoPro camera and two backpacks. No one was injured in the shooting, which took place about 5 miles away from the president’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
A witness captured images of the vehicle and license plate, which officials say aided their effort to stop the suspect’s car and take him into custody.
The Republican nominee released a statement confirming he was OK shortly after.
“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!
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you.”
Read latest updates below:
Trump says thanks on Truth Social
“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
Vice President Kamala Harris: ‘I am deeply disturbed’
“I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.
I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our Administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission,” she said in a statement.
Neighbor of suspect in Trump shooting attempt: ‘He’s pretty crazy’
NewsNation affiliate WGHP spoke to Ryan Wesley Routh’s neighbor in North Carolina under the condition of anonymity.
“He’s pretty crazy … I never would’ve though that, though. With him being my neighbor and seeing the picture of him, actually, I mean, I still would not have believed you until I see the picture,” the neighbor said.
Suspect’s social accounts suspended
Ryan Welsey Routh’s X and Facebook account have both been deleted, as of 8:20 p.m. Sunday.
FBI will charge suspect
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Routh will be charged by the FBI.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the United States Secret Service, confirmed the USSS is working with the FBI, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and “other law enforcement partners” to investigate.
A statement from Rafael Barros, the special agent in charge of the Miami Field Office, said in part:
“I first want to thank all of our law enforcement partners, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, for their involvement today.”
Mike Johnson briefed on attempted shooting
House Speaker Mike Johnson received a briefing from the United States Secret Service on Sunday night at Mar-a-Lago, NewsNation’s Joe Khalil confirmed.
President Joe Biden shares statement
“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. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety. “
Suspect has record in North Carolina
NewsNation affiliate WGHP reports suspect Ryan Wesley Routh had a record dating back to the early 2000s.
In 2002, he barricaded himself inside a business with a gun, according to the News & Record. In 2003, he was sentenced for driving without a license, carrying a concealed weapon and hit and run. In 2010, he was convicted for possessing stolen goods.
He was given probation for all the offenses, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections website.
McConnell on Trump shooting attempt
Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, called for a swift investigation into the shooting attempt.
Suspect previously lived in North Carolina
NewsNation affiliate WGHP reports that suspect Ryan Wesley Routh previously lived in the Greensboro, North Carolina, area where he was registered as an unaffiliated voter and voted in the Democratic primary.
He moved to Hawaii in May.
Speaker Johnson went to Mar-a-Lago
pic.twitter.com/43Rm8SPGU8
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) September 15, 2024
The House Speaker posted on X that he and his wife had spent time with Trump on Sunday.
What we know about the suspect
Suspected Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach gunman Ryan Wesley Routh was convicted in 2002 of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, according to online North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections records.
Read everything we know about Routh here.
Photos show bags left behind when suspect fled
The suspect had two backpacks and a camera with him.
Second shooting attempt comes as Secret Service under scrutiny
The shooting attempt at Trump’s Florida golf club comes as the Secret Service is already facing multiple investigations following a previous assassination attempt on the former president.
One of those investigations comes from a bipartisan Congressional task force.
Last week ranking member, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., told NewsNation political violence has no place in the country and the task force is working to help reassure the public about the safety of politicians and candidates.
“People have rightful questions, and this task force was formed to have, to help restore the confidence, and we’re going through the process now of restoring the American people’s confidence,” he said.
What we know about the Trump assassination attempt suspect
Here’s what we know so far about suspect Ryan Wesley Routh.
Suspect had previous weapons conviction
The suspect in the attempted assassination, Ryan Welsey Routh, was convicted of possessing a weapon of mass destruction in 2002, according to online North Carolina Department of Adult Correction records, the Associated Press reports.
‘Assassination attempt’ timeline
Secret Service agents recognized the barrel of a rifle pointing through a fence at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club in what they said was an “assassination attempt” on the former president.
Here’s a timeline of what happened.
Tim Walz issues statement
“Gwen and I are glad to hear that Donald Trump is safe. Violence has no place in our country. It’s not who we are as a nation,” he said on X.
Task force on Pennsylvania assassination attempt issues statement
Chairman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Ranking Member Jason Crow, D-Colo., (D-Colo.) released a joint statement following today’s shooting that the FBI is investigating as an attempted assassination:
“The Task Force is monitoring this attempted assassination of former President Trump in West Palm Beach this afternoon. We have requested a briefing with the U.S. Secret Service about what happened and how security responded. We are thankful that the former President was not harmed, but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms. The Task Force will share updates as we learn more,” they said.
Chuck Schumer: ‘No place in this country for political violence’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement on the assassination attempt.
“I was just briefed by the Acting Director of the Secret Service. I applaud the Secret Service for their quick response to ensure former President Trump’s safety,” he said. “There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Suspect is Ryan Wesley Routh
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, a law enforcement source told NewsNation.