Donald Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt in Florida

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, said in a statement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination, with the Secret Service and local law enforcement responding swiftly.

The attack unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. local time, when Secret Service agents spotted a gunman armed with an AK-47-style assault rifle near the property’s edge. The agents fired on the suspect, who dropped his weapon and fled the scene in a black SUV, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. A witness managed to capture images of the suspect’s car and license plate, aiding authorities in their investigation.

The gunman was later apprehended on Interstate 95, identified by The New York Times and Fox News as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii. His motive remains under investigation.

This incident comes just two months after a previous assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, when 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, grazing Trump’s right ear.

Trump reassured the public in a statement following Sunday’s attack, saying, "I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!" He also expressed gratitude to his supporters and security team.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the incident, with both expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. "Violence has no place in America," Harris said on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, shared that he had spoken to Trump before the news broke and found him in good spirits. Other Republican leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson, also condemned the attack, calling for accountability and expressing gratitude for Trump’s safety.

The FBI, alongside the Secret Service, is continuing its investigation into the assassination attempt. (ILKHA)