The US Secret Service on Sunday, September 15, 2024, foiled an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the second attempt on the Republican presidential nominee in a little over two months.
The incident on Sunday is reported to have occurred sometime after midday when the former president was playing golf at his Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
A Secret Service agent is reported to have spotted a rifle barrel sticking out of a fence and fired at a man, later identified as the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh.
The suspect, who was positioned some 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, is said to have fled the scene in a car upon being spotted and shot at by the Secret Service.
A witness who saw Routh in the bushes took a picture of him fleeing the scene in his car.
Suspect’s arrest and items found on the scene
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect was apprehended by the police unarmed, following a highway chase.
However, evidence found at the scene where he was initially spotted includes an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks that had ceramic tiles in them to augment a bulletproof vest, and a GoPro.
More details about the suspect
Fifty-eight-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh is said to be a small construction company owner in Hawaii.
Even though the motive of the suspect is yet to be established, Routh has been identified as a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the war against Russia.
He is said to have traveled to Ukraine in 2020 following Russia’s invasion and openly showed support for Ukraine, while calling Russia’s President Vladimir Putin a “terrorist” and that “he needs to be ended.”
His social media is also said to be filled with several posts, some of which indicate his willingness to die for Ukraine.
“I AM WILLING TO FLY TO KRAKOW AND GO TO THE BORDER OF UKRAINE TO VOLUNTEER AND FIGHT AND DIE…Can I be the example? We must win,” Routh said in an X post in March 2022.
Trump speaks following attempt
A few hours after the incident, Trump issued a statement indicating he was safe and emphasized his unwavering commitment to his campaign.
“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
What President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have said
Reports of the attempt on Trump on Sunday were met with reactions from various quarters, including a statement on social media by President Joe Biden and his Vice President, Kamala Harris, who doubles as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.
In his statement following a briefing after the incident, President Biden expressed relief over the safety of former President Trump, while condemning the attempt on his life.
“I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt on former President Trump today.
“A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe,” he said.
Biden added that “I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened.
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
In a statement shared on X, Kamala Harris also wrote: “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
First attempt on Trump
An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
The incident unfolded as Trump was delivering a speech to a large crowd of supporters.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired from an elevated position outside the venue, was shot dead by Secret Service agents.
Tragically, one bystander was killed, and two others were critically injured during the incident while Trump suffered a gunshot injury to his ear.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
