On September 15, 2024, President Donald Trump survived a second assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club. Ryan Routh, 58, from Hawaii, was arrested after approaching President Trump with an AK-47 rifle and a GoPro camera.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Routh was positioned 300 to 500 yards from President Trump when Secret Service agents intervened. Routh had planned to film the attack, but Secret Service agents quickly took control of the situation. It remains uncertain if Routh fired his weapon.
Bradshaw criticized the security at the golf course, pointing out that President Trump’s status as a candidate led to less protection compared to a sitting president. “If Trump were the sitting president, the entire golf course would have been surrounded,” Bradshaw said.
President Trump addressed his supporters with a statement: “I am SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” Vice President Kamala Harris also voiced relief, stating, “Violence has no place in America.”
Routh’s political contributions indicate support for Democratic candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX). This is a shift from his previous support for Trump in 2016.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), President Trump’s running mate, expressed relief at Trump’s safety. This attempt follows a similar incident in July, highlighting ongoing risks to the former president.
The FBI is investigating the attack, with increased security measures expected for future events involving President Trump. The public is advised to avoid the golf course as the investigation proceeds.
