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In a dramatic incident at Donald Trump’s golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024, an alleged assassination attempt on the former U.S. President was thwarted. Authorities arrested Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, identified as a supporter of Ukraine with a long criminal record. According to U.S. media, Routh had planned to shoot Trump while he played golf, but Secret Service agents spotted him hiding with an assault-style rifle and fired at him before he surrendered.
Trump, who was not hurt in the attack, quickly pointed fingers at his political opponents, particularly his election rival Kamala Harris and U.S. President Joe Biden. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Trump said, “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country.” He referred to frequent statements from Biden and Harris claiming that Trump’s actions threaten democracy.
The FBI has charged Routh with illegal firearms possession, and more charges are expected as the agency continues to investigate what it described as an “attempted assassination.” Court records reveal Routh spent nearly 12 hours near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course before being apprehended. This incident marks the second time Trump has been targeted in recent months; in July, he narrowly escaped injury when a gunman fired at him during a Pennsylvania rally.
Both Biden and Harris condemned the attack, with Biden stating, “I’ve always condemned political violence. I always will.”
Despite the incident, Trump has continued to fan political flames, using the attack as a platform to rally his supporters. On his Truth Social account, Trump warned, “the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse,” while launching a separate tirade against immigrants. His campaign has since issued calls for donations with the message, “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!!”
The U.S. Secret Service is now facing scrutiny over security lapses, particularly after a similar incident in Pennsylvania. While Trump enjoys a robust security detail as a former president, authorities have admitted that protecting an expansive area like a golf course presents challenges.
