A man armed with an AK-47 was arrested near former President Donald Trump's golf club in Florida after Secret Service agents opened fire, in what authorities are treating as an apparent assassination attempt on Trump.
A potential threat to former President Donald Trump was neutralized on Sunday afternoon when Secret Service agents opened fire at a man pointing an AK-47 at the ex-leader's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man with an extensive arrest record dating back several decades. According to officials, the incident occurred while Trump was golfing at Trump International Golf Club.
Assassination Attempt on Trump Foiled by Secret Service at Florida Golf Club
A background check on Routh revealed a long history of run-ins with law enforcement, stretching back to at least the 1990s. In his home state of North Carolina, Routh has been arrested for simple drug possession, driving without a license, expired inspection, and operating a vehicle with no insurance.
In 2002, the Greensboro News & Record reported that Routh was arrested after barricading himself in his roofing company's office during a three-hour standoff. The incident followed a traffic stop in which Routh reportedly put his hand on a gun before fleeing.
Assassination Attempt on Trump Foiled by Secret Service at Florida Golf Club
On Sunday, Secret Service agents spotted Routh at the golf course's fifth hole. They observed him pointing the muzzle of an AK-47 through a chain-link fence towards the sixth hole, where Trump was playing.
Secret Service agents immediately opened fire, and Routh fled in an SUV. However, he was quickly apprehended by authorities.
Assassination Attempt on Trump Foiled by Secret Service at Florida Golf Club
"This does not appear to be some random guy with an AK-47 walking outside Trump's club," an official said after the incident.
Routh was found carrying an AK-47, a GoPro camera, and two backpacks. He has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon.
Assassination Attempt on Trump Foiled by Secret Service at Florida Golf Club
Trump's campaign quickly issued a statement that the former president was safe. Trump himself later issued a message to supporters, expressing gratitude for their support and declaring his resilience.
"Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!" Trump wrote. "I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you."
The incident is still under investigation, and authorities are trying to determine Routh's motive. Officials are also investigating whether the incident was a second assassination attempt on Trump, following a plot that was allegedly uncovered in 2021.
The Secret Service has been praised for its quick response and for preventing a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. The incident highlights the importance of their role in protecting the former president and ensuring his safety.
