The FBI has launched an investigation into a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which took place at his Florida golf club on Sunday. This incident marks the second such attempt on Trump’s life within the past two months. Trump remained unharmed during the event, and his campaign quickly confirmed his safety. The attack occurred at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing golf when a Secret Service agent fired shots at a man armed with a rifle near the golf course’s perimeter.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that a Secret Service agent spotted the rifle barrel protruding from the bushes along the fence line. The agent, part of a security detail that stays ahead of Trump on the course, immediately engaged the suspect by firing at him. Trump, at the time, was playing between holes five and six, while the suspect positioned himself around 300 to 500 yards away from the former president.
After the confrontation, the suspect—44-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh—fled the scene in a black Nissan. A witness saw Routh fleeing the area and managed to take a photograph of his vehicle, including the license plate. This critical piece of evidence allowed law enforcement officers to quickly track Routh’s car as it traveled north on Interstate 95 in Martin County, just north of Palm Beach. With this information, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office located and detained Routh without incident.
Routh, a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii, had previously expressed political views on social media that criticized Trump. Investigators also uncovered that Routh strongly supported Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia. After Russia’s full-scale invasion, Routh traveled to Ukraine, where he attended rallies supporting Ukrainian troops in Kyiv’s Independence Square. The FBI, now expanding the investigation, is looking into Routh’s global connections and whether any of his affiliations played a role in the assassination attempt.
At the scene of the incident, authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles (which authorities believe were intended as makeshift body armor), and a GoPro camera. Investigators suspect that Routh planned to document the assassination attempt. The nature of these items has led authorities to explore the possibility that Routh did not act alone and may have received assistance from others.
David Aronberg, the State Attorney for Palm Beach County, stated that Routh refused to speak to law enforcement officers after his arrest. “He knew enough to stay silent,” Aronberg said, describing Routh as calm and composed. This behavior suggests that Routh may have had previous run-ins with law enforcement or was familiar with the criminal justice system. Aronberg noted that Routh’s demeanor indicated a level of preparedness, raising concerns about whether Routh had participated in similar activities before.
This latest assassination attempt follows another plot just two months ago, when authorities thwarted an attack on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The earlier incident has already placed the U.S. Secret Service under scrutiny for how it handles security during Trump’s public appearances. The new incident further heightens concerns about potential security vulnerabilities in protecting the former president.
In response to the Florida incident, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would conduct its own investigation into the assassination attempt. He emphasized the need to assess security protocols and identify any lapses in protecting Trump. On a federal level, a congressional task force investigating the previous attempt on Trump’s life has requested a briefing from the Secret Service on both incidents. The task force aims to determine whether a broader pattern of political violence exists and whether the Secret Service is adequately protecting high-profile figures.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Trump quickly assured his supporters of his well-being. Shortly after the incident, Trump sent out a fundraising email, writing, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” Trump had been golfing with real estate donor Steve Witkoff when the attack occurred. According to sources, the golf outing had been a last-minute addition to Trump’s schedule.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both briefed on the incident, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. Biden condemned the attack, stating, “As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.” Biden also stressed the importance of providing the Secret Service with the resources and support necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety.
Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s sentiment, calling the assassination attempt “deeply disturbing” and emphasizing the need for Americans to unite in rejecting political extremism. “We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,” she said, urging the public to work toward peace and order.
Trump’s political allies also voiced their support in the aftermath of the attack. Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, confirmed that he had spoken to Trump shortly after the incident. “I’m glad President Trump is safe,” Vance said, adding that Trump was “amazingly in good spirits” despite the attempt on his life. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, praised Trump’s resilience, calling him “one of the strongest people I’ve ever known” and expressing his confidence that Trump would continue his political efforts with even greater determination.
As the FBI continues its investigation, the focus now shifts to the rise of political violence in the United States. Trump, a deeply polarizing figure, continues to draw large crowds and passionate supporters, but he also faces fierce opposition. Routh’s online activity, paired with his global connections, has drawn law enforcement attention, as investigators seek to determine whether his political views or international ties influenced his attempt on Trump’s life.
This attempted assassination also reignites debates about how to effectively safeguard former presidents. While Trump is no longer in office, he remains highly active in the political landscape and frequently travels across the country. These factors pose unique challenges for the Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting both current and former presidents. Trump’s continued public appearances, especially in politically charged environments, only add to the complexity of maintaining his safety.
The second attempt on Trump’s life within two months has added urgency to these concerns, as officials explore potential security improvements. Law enforcement agencies are working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the attack and to uncover any broader networks or motivations behind Routh’s actions. Investigators hope to prevent future threats against Trump and other high-profile political figures by learning from the incidents and closing any security gaps that may have been exploited.
Trump’s supporters have rallied around him in the wake of the attempt, reinforcing the sense that, despite the ongoing threats, he remains undeterred. The former president, known for his resilience in the face of opposition, seems poised to continue his political career, undaunted by the danger that surrounds him. The FBI’s investigation is far from over, and the outcome may have significant implications not only for Trump’s security but for the broader political landscape, where the threat of violence against public figures continues to grow.
