Donald Trump Targeted in Apparent Assassination Attempt

The FBI is investigating an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which took place at his Florida golf course. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle near the course. Trump, who was nearby at the time, remains unharmed.

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The alarming incident unfolded at Trump’s golf club in Florida when Secret Service agents noticed the barrel of a rifle sticking out from behind a fence. The weapon, identified as an AK-47-style rifle, was accompanied by two backpacks and a GoPro camera. The suspect, Routh, fled the scene in a vehicle but was later detained on a highway.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Trump was playing golf and was just "one or two holes" away from the suspect, positioned roughly 300 to 500 yards from the former president. Though Secret Service agents fired at Routh, it remains unclear if he fired back. Fortunately, Trump confirmed he is “safe and well.”

Following the incident, President Joe Biden expressed his relief at Trump's safety and denounced political violence, emphasizing, “There is no place for political violence or for any violence.” Biden added that he has directed his team to ensure that the Secret Service has all necessary resources to protect Trump moving forward.

Suspect’s Background

Routh, a small business owner from Hawaii, has a history of criticizing Trump on social media. His posts on X (formerly Twitter) showed a clear disdain for the former president, and public records reveal that Routh had previously voted in North Carolina's Democratic primary earlier this year. He also has a criminal record, including a 2002 arrest for brandishing a firearm during a police stop.

In addition to his anti-Trump rhetoric, Routh has voiced strong support for Ukraine, even attempting to join the war effort in 2022. He reportedly visited the region and has made various statements supporting global political causes, including Afghanistan and Taiwan.

Routh’s son, Oran, expressed shock over the events, stating that he hopes the situation has been exaggerated and described his father as "a loving and caring man."

The FBI continues its investigation into the motive behind the attack and the potential threat to Trump’s safety.

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