Trump attack/ assassination attempt on Trump/ Trump golf course shooting/ political violence against Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ Morning Edition/ J. Mansour/ Former President Donald Trump was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt while golfing in Florida. The U.S. Secret Service quickly apprehended the armed suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, who was found hiding near the course. Trump, who was unharmed, has since publicly thanked law enforcement for their swift action.
5 Key Facts About the Trump Golf Course Assassination Attempt:
1. The Suspect: Ryan Wesley Routh
- Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested after pointing an AK-style rifle at Trump.
- Routh had a history of political donations to Democratic causes and a criminal past, including a conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction.
- His online posts suggested shifting political views, initially supporting Tulsi Gabbard and later backing Biden and Harris.
2. How the Incident Happened
- Trump was playing a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course when the armed suspect, hiding in shrubbery 400-500 yards away, was spotted by the Secret Service.
- The suspect had a clear line of sight to Trump but was quickly neutralized by Secret Service agents.
- Although Trump is no longer president, his security remains heightened due to threats.
3. Trump’s Reaction
- Trump reassured his supporters that he was safe via social media, thanking the Secret Service for their quick response.
- He humorously expressed disappointment that he couldn’t finish his golf game, saying he was on track for a birdie.
4. Vice President Kamala Harris Responds
- Democratic opponent Kamala Harris acknowledged the incident, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed.
- Harris condemned political violence, stating, “Violence has no place in America.”
5. What’s Next
- Trump’s schedule remains unchanged, with a planned livestream event from Mar-a-Lago.
- Congress is investigating both this and a previous July assassination attempt, aiming to improve security for political figures.
Everything to Know About the Attempted Attack on Trump at His Golf Course
Deep Look:
Former President Donald Trump narrowly avoided an assassination attempt while playing golf at his West Palm Beach course in Florida. The alarming incident unfolded when the U.S. Secret Service spotted a man, later identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, armed with an AK-style rifle equipped with a scope. Routh was hiding in shrubbery, roughly 400 to 500 yards away from Trump. Law enforcement acted swiftly to neutralize the threat, ensuring Trump’s safety.
Routh’s background is both concerning and puzzling. A North Carolina native, Routh had relocated to Hawaii in 2018, where he operated a shed-building business with his son. His political views appear to have fluctuated over time. In 2020, he initially expressed support for Democratic candidates, particularly Tulsi Gabbard, but later backed Biden and Harris. Recent years, however, saw Routh souring on Trump, and he became more vocal in his opposition to the former president.
Routh’s criminal history includes a 2002 conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, following a three-hour standoff with police in North Carolina. These past legal issues, combined with his erratic political behavior, have raised questions about his motivations for targeting Trump.
The incident unfolded as Trump was on the fifth hole of his golf game. Witnesses, including Trump’s golf partner Steve Witkoff, reported hearing a series of “pop, pop, pop” sounds before Secret Service agents swiftly moved to protect the former president. Trump was quickly whisked away in a reinforced cart, designed to shield him from further harm. While everyone remained safe, Trump’s lighthearted reaction—lamenting his missed birdie putt—underscored his resilience in the face of danger.
Trump immediately reassured his supporters via social media, posting a message to thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their “brave and dedicated” service. He remained in good spirits, telling Fox News host Sean Hannity that the situation, though serious, had been handled with remarkable efficiency by his protective detail.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential election, also responded to the incident, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. Harris condemned the violence, stating that “Violence has no place in America,” a sentiment echoed by the White House. President Biden and Harris are being kept updated on the investigation as authorities continue to piece together Routh’s motives and actions.
Despite the threat on his life, Trump’s campaign schedule remains unchanged. He plans to go ahead with a scheduled appearance on X, where he will be launching a new cryptocurrency platform with his sons. This unwavering commitment to his public appearances suggests that the former president is determined not to be intimidated by those who wish him harm.
Meanwhile, the leaders of a bipartisan congressional task force investigating political violence are demanding further details from the Secret Service. This task force, which has been closely following the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, is seeking additional answers about the most recent attempt. Lawmakers from both parties, including Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), have expressed concern over the rise in politically motivated violence, urging for greater security measures for political figures, particularly during the 2024 election season.
This latest attempt on Trump’s life serves as a stark reminder of the heightened risks facing political candidates in a polarized America. As the investigation into Routh’s motives continues, there is a renewed focus on ensuring the safety of all individuals running for office, especially as the 2024 election draws nearer.
