Trump unharmed after second assassination attempt
Secret service agents get former president Donald Trump to safety after undergoing another assassination attempt.
Donald Trump survived another assassination attempt perpetrated by Ryan Wesley Routh while golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Secret service agents promptly got the former president to safety, but amidst the chaos, the suspect fled. He was later apprehended by authorities, but his motive is unclear. Trump is in good spirits and has not been harmed by the event.
The FBI says it appears to have been an assassination attempt, but it’s unclear whether or not shots were fired. Secret Service personnel spotted the suspect from 300-500 yards away while the former president was golfing. They proceeded to engage with the suspect but he fled, leaving behind an AK47 rifle, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro all behind a bush near the scene. Wesley Routh drove off in a black Nisan, but a witness was able to take a photo of his driver's license, which the police used to track him down. Wesley Routh was detained 50 miles away when his car was spotted on I-95.
Although there are no leads for his motive, his X account contains several posts criticizing Trump. According to a post made in June 2020, he voted for Trump in 2016 but was immensely disappointed with his presidency.
Wesley Routh has had several reported incidents with the laws, dating as far back as 2002 when he was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction felony. In a later incident, he was accused of a hit-and-run misdemeanor and resisting arrest.
Trump and his team are shocked, but recovering from the event. He has expressed his gratitude for the Secret Service and their quick response, while also joking that he wishes he could’ve finished his game of golf.
“There were gunshots in my vicinity,” Trump said. “Before rumors start spiraling out of control, I want you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL.”
Trump plans to continue campaigning this week, though extra precautions will be taken for future events. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the events.
“They are relieved to know that [Trump] is safe,” The White House said in a statement on behalf of Biden and Harris.“They will be kept regularly updated by their team.”
This is the second assassination attempt in two months on the Republican nominee. The previous attempt left Trump wounded, but killed one victim and injured two others. Trump may not be as lucky if another attempt were to occur, so the Secret Service and authorities must take the necessary precautions to ensure his safety and the safety of those around him.
