An AK-47 style rifle and two backpacks were discovered in bushes near where former President Trump was golfing, leading to the apprehension of a suspect in a second assassination attempt against him.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw revealed that a witness captured a photograph of the suspect fleeing the scene of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Suspect Identified, AK-47 Recovered in Trump Assassination Attempt
Following a shots-fired call from the Secret Service, deputies sealed off the area. Bradshaw credited a witness who provided a description of the suspect, enabling authorities to identify and detain him. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, is scheduled to appear in federal court Monday morning.
Law enforcement officers recovered an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera from the bushes where Routh is believed to have been hiding. The Secret Service agent responsible for Trump's protection spotted the rifle barrel protruding from the fence and immediately engaged the suspect.
Suspect Identified, AK-47 Recovered in Trump Assassination Attempt
Bradshaw acknowledged the limited perimeter of protection around Trump, but emphasized that the level of security would have been enhanced had he been the sitting president. The Secret Service confirmed that Trump was unharmed during the incident.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri confirmed that the bureau is leading the federal investigation and has deployed significant resources. He urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Suspect Identified, AK-47 Recovered in Trump Assassination Attempt
Witnesses reported hearing several shots fired, and one described seeing a man jumping into a black Nissan. Law enforcement officials pursued the vehicle on I-95 into Martin County, where it was intercepted and the suspect detained.
The identification of the suspect and the recovery of the weapon and other items have provided crucial evidence in the investigation. Authorities are examining the backpacks for potential links to the suspect or any wider conspiracy.
Suspect Identified, AK-47 Recovered in Trump Assassination Attempt
The incident underscores the ongoing security concerns surrounding former presidents and the need for robust protective measures. The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are expected to review the incident and assess the effectiveness of their protocols.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
