On September 15, 2024, an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was thwarted at Trump International Golf Club. Ryan Routh, 58, of Hawaii, was arrested after trying to shoot the Trump with an AK-47 rifle.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that Routh was positioned 300 to 500 yards from President Trump, using a scoped rifle and a GoPro to film the attack. The Secret Service responded quickly, firing shots at Routh. It remains unclear if he returned fire.
Bradshaw noted that the golf course’s security was less robust because President Trump was a candidate rather than a sitting president. “If Trump were the sitting president, we would have secured the entire golf course,” Bradshaw said.
Following the attempt, President Trump reassured supporters with a statement: “I am SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed relief, stating, “Violence has no place in America.”
Routh’s past political donations reveal his alignment with progressive causes, including contributions to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and other Democrats.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) praised the Secret Service’s response and expressed relief that President Trump was unharmed. This attack follows a similar incident in July, underscoring ongoing threats to the former president.
The FBI is investigating the situation, and increased security is expected at future events involving President Trump. The public is advised to stay clear of the golf course as the investigation continues.
