On Sunday, former U.S. President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump encountered another assassination attempt at a golf course in Florida. Trump’s golf partner, Steve Witkoff, described the former president’s response to the assassination attempt as “brave and steadfast.”
Witkoff, a real estate investor, took to the X social platform on Monday to post that Trump is his “very close friend,” and that Trump’s first thought was of his friends and then himself.
Witkoff referred to this as a “true paradigm of leadership.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity, another close friend of Trump, revealed on his Sunday program that he had conversations with Trump and Witkoff. Witkoff informed him that Secret Service agents “rushed” to Trump and “shielded him” to ensure his protection.
Trump’s campaign partner JD Vance, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, and several Fox News hosts stated that they spoke with Trump after the incident, noting that Trump was in good spirits.
The incident took place at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle barrel with a scope sticking out from a fence and took immediate action. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, but was later stopped and detained by the authorities.
On Monday, it was announced that the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, faced two charges, including possession of a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Law enforcement officials familiar with the case informed CNN that additional charges may be forthcoming. Routh appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday morning for an initial hearing. A detention hearing is scheduled for the following Monday, where he will remain in custody awaiting trial.
According to the charges filed on Monday, Routh’s phone data indicated that he had spent nearly 12 hours near the bushes before being discovered.
Sources within law enforcement informed CNN that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is working to gather more information about the suspect’s background. It was mentioned that some of Routh’s suspicious online activities involved using platforms based outside the United States, potentially involving collaborations with international partners.
On Sunday, Trump reassured supporters in a fundraising email, stating, “I heard gunshots near me, but before rumors spiral out of control, I want you to hear this first: I am safe and sound!”
“Nothing can stop me. I will never give up! I will always love all of you who support me. Unity, peace, and making America great again,” Trump continued in the email.
As the investigation continues, both Trump and Vice President Harris are intensifying their campaign efforts, with less than eight weeks remaining until Election Day. Trump is set to unveil his cryptocurrency venture at Mar-a-Lago in Florida today, while Harris will participate in a roundtable discussion with truck driver unions in Washington D.C.