Secret Service Incident Involving AK Rifle at Trump Golf Course

Black assault rifle with silencer and magazine on dark background.

A U.S. Secret Service agent opened fire on a suspect wielding an AK-style rifle at former President Donald Trump’s Palm Beach golf course.

At a Glance

U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a person with a firearm near Trump’s golf club
The incident occurred while Trump was golfing
Trump remained unharmed
The FBI is investigating the incident as an “attempted assassination”
No injuries were reported

Incident at Trump’s Golf Course

A Secret Service agent opened fire upon noticing a suspect holding an AK-style rifle through a fence at former President Donald Trump’s golf course in Palm Beach. The suspect fled but was later apprehended on Interstate 95 in Martin County. Officers discovered an AK-style rifle with a scope, multiple backpacks, and a GoPro camera during the arrest. Authorities are treating this as a potential assassination attempt.

This quick response ensured Trump’s safety, who was nearby on the golf course. The perpetrator, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, fled in an SUV after shots were fired.

Details of the Arrest

Law enforcement officials, who spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the incident, noted that Secret Service agents noticed the rifle’s muzzle through shrubbery. An agent fired at the suspect, causing him to flee and leave behind the weapon, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder discussed the arrest with WPBF.

“The former president is safe,” reported the Secret Service.

FBI and Secret Service Involvement

The FBI has classified this incident as an “attempted assassination” and is currently investigating. Trump had previously survived an assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite the incident, Trump reassured his supporters via email, “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!”

The FBI is investigating what it called an "attempted assassination" of former President Donald Trump after Secret Service agents fired at a man with a weapon on or near Trump's Florida golf course on Sunday. https://t.co/eqAeLtRYLt

— Chenue Her (@ChenueHer) September 15, 2024

Implications for Trump’s Campaign

While the incident’s impact on Trump’s campaign schedule is still unclear, he has planned events in Michigan and New York. It remains to be seen if this attempted attack will affect his itinerary and public appearances.

“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” – Donald Trump