Gunfire Reported Near Former President Donald Trump at Florida Golf Club

West Palm Beach, The Gulf Observer: Gunfire was reported near former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as he was leaving his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, according to law enforcement sources. The Secret Service has launched an investigation into the incident, with early reports suggesting that Trump was not the intended target.

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” said Trump Campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung in a statement following the event.

Initial reports from the New York Post, citing law enforcement sources, indicate that the gunfire occurred between two shooters who were targeting each other. However, the FBI later classified the event as “an assassination attempt” on the former president, intensifying the ongoing investigation.

According to three law enforcement officials who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the suspected gunman was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that Routh was located 400 to 500 yards (365 to 457 meters) from Trump and was found with a scope, suggesting a potential threat.

Donald Trump Jr. shared on social media that an AK-47 automatic weapon was found in nearby bushes, as reported by local law enforcement. “The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe. A suspect has reportedly been apprehended,” he said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were promptly briefed on the security incident. The White House issued a statement expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. “They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team,” the statement read. Vice President Harris also reacted to the event on X, stating, “I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”

This is the second reported assassination attempt against Trump this year. On July 13, the former president was injured during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he was shot in the ear. Trump was quickly evacuated from the stage, and the shooter, along with a bystander, was killed. Two other spectators were critically injured during the attack.

The investigation into the latest shooting incident is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to assess the situation.