Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt while golfing at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted near the fence of the golf course with a rifle. However, the shots fired were from a Secret Service agent protecting Trump, prompting Routh to flee the scene by car. The presence of a backpack with ceramic tiles for bulletproof vests and a sniper’s nest raised questions about the suspect’s intentions.
Investigators found clues that Routh had been near the golf course for roughly 12 hours before the incident. Phone records from T-Mobile placed his phone in the vicinity of the golf course for that period. The suspect had an SKS-style rifle with an obliterated serial number, indicating premeditation. The presence of a GoPro camera and other items on the course fence further added to the mystery of why Routh was there.
Trump was golfing at the course on a last-minute outing when the incident occurred. The former president was playing a round with a donor on a hot September day when the shots were fired. Secret Service agents protecting Trump had spotted the suspect with a rifle poking out of the tree line. Although Routh was not able to get a shot off at Trump, the incident raised concerns about the security measures for high-profile figures.
Following the shots fired by the Secret Service agent, Routh fled the scene in a black Nissan SUV. He was eventually detained in Martin County, more than 40 miles north of the golf course, after a witness provided law enforcement with a photo of his car and license plate. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office worked quickly to stop Routh on the highway, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Routh was charged with possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The suspect maintained a relaxed demeanor during his arrest, surprising officials who described him as appearing as though he had just left a church picnic. The witness who spotted Routh fleeing the golf course was flown to the scene to identify the suspect once he was in custody. The FBI and Secret Service were involved in the investigation and may bring additional charges against Routh.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and security of high-profile individuals like Donald Trump. While the former president was unharmed in this apparent assassination attempt, the need for enhanced protection measures is evident. The quick response of law enforcement officials and the cooperation of witnesses were crucial in stopping Routh and preventing further harm. The investigation into the suspect’s motives and actions leading up to the incident is ongoing, with potential additional charges pending.
