On September 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump survived a second apparent assassination attempt while golfing at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf resort. Federal authorities and local law enforcement are investigating the incident, which involved a gunman armed with an AK-47-style rifle. Trump, who was roughly 300 to 500 yards away from the shooter, was unharmed and quickly escorted to safety by his security team.
Details of the Incident
At around 1:30 p.m., a Secret Service agent patrolling the perimeter of Trump International Golf Club noticed a man near the property’s fence with a rifle. The agent immediately opened fire on the individual before the suspect could take a shot, according to local officials. The gunman fled the scene but was quickly tracked down and arrested by law enforcement on Interstate 95 in neighboring Martin County(POLITICO)(CNA).
Authorities found the rifle at the scene, along with two backpacks containing ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera, suggesting that the suspect may have been planning to document the event. No shots were fired at Trump, and the quick response of the Secret Service averted what could have been a deadly incident(POLITICO).
Law Enforcement Response
The FBI has since launched an investigation, classifying the incident as an attempted assassination. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that the gunman had scoped the scene, and the presence of recording equipment points to a premeditated plan. The suspect was taken into custody, and charges are being prepared(POLITICO)(CNA).
Sheriff Bradshaw also noted that Trump’s security at the time of the incident was not as stringent as it would have been during his presidency. “If he was the sitting president, we would have had the entire golf course surrounded,” Bradshaw said. However, the former president’s security detail acted swiftly, and a lockdown of the golf club was initiated immediately after the incident(
POLITICO).
Political Reactions
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the situation shortly after the event. Both issued statements condemning the violence. Biden emphasized that “there is no place for political violence in our country,” expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. Harris echoed these sentiments, stating she was “deeply disturbed” by the attempt on Trump’s life and called for a collective effort to prevent further political violence(POLITICO)(CNA).
A Pattern of Threats
This is the second known assassination attempt on Trump in just over two months. In July 2024, Trump narrowly escaped harm during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where another individual was arrested in connection with an assassination plot(POLITICO). These incidents have raised concerns about the security risks surrounding Trump, who remains a high-profile political figure as he runs for re-election in 2024.
Prior to the Florida incident, those close to Trump had voiced concerns about his safety while he was golfing. Although his resorts have security measures in place, they are not as extensive as the ones that protect sitting presidents(CNA).
Continued Investigation
As of now, the investigation into the latest assassination attempt is ongoing. The FBI and local law enforcement are working to determine the motive and whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy. Prosecutors in Palm Beach County are preparing charges, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days(POLITICO).
While the situation is under control and Trump remains safe, the incident highlights the persistent security threats faced by former presidents, especially in the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the 2024 election.
The swift action of the Secret Service and local law enforcement averted a potentially tragic event, ensuring the safety of Donald Trump and those around him. The investigation into the attempted assassination continues as authorities work to gather more details about the suspect and his intentions.
