Secret Service agents intercepted a man armed with an AK-style rifle, who was hiding in the bushes about 400-500 yards from Trump.
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, thanked the US Secret Service after a second apparent assassination attempt took place at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.
Trump praised the Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and other law enforcement for keeping him safe. On the social media platform Truth Social, he said, “I appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes—it was quite a day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, his team, and all law enforcement for their excellent work in keeping me safe. I’m very proud to be an American!”
On Sunday, Secret Service agents confronted a man hiding in the bushes with an AK-style rifle, about 400-500 yards from Trump. The agents fired several shots, but the man escaped in a black Nissan. The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, confirmed that Trump was not harmed. Trump also sent an email to his supporters letting them know he was safe. Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi said that both the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident, which happened just before 2 p.m.
Sheriff Bradshaw praised the Secret Service’s response but didn’t give details on why the suspect might have acted, according to Reuters.
This incident follows a similar attempt two months ago when a gunshot was fired at Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
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