Florida:
Donald Trump is safe after hearing gunshots nearby, the Republican presidential candidate’s team announced today. “President Trump is safe after hearing gunshots nearby. No further details are available at this time,” campaign spokesman Steven Chung said in a statement.
The shooting took place at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, and The New York Times reported, citing local police, that a “suspect” was detained with a weapon.
According to multiple media reports, Trump was playing golf when he heard gunfire and was accompanied by Secret Service security at the time of the shooting.
It was unclear who the shooter was or what his motive was. There was no immediate indication that Trump was targeted. CNN, citing security sources, reported that authorities believe the shot at the golf club was indeed aimed at Trump.
The former US president’s son, Donald Trump Jr, said authorities also found an AK-47 rifle in bushes close to where Trump departed.
“Hey guys, here we go again! There has been a shooting at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Local police say an AK-47 was found in the bushes,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
See you everyone again!
A shooting occurred at a Trump golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Local police said an AK-47 was found in the bushes. The Trump campaign released a statement confirming that former President Trump was safe.
The suspect has reportedly been arrested. pic.twitter.com/FwRfrO3v6y
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 15, 2024
The White House quickly released a statement saying it had briefed both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival in the November election, about the incident.
“Political violence, or violence of any kind, has no place in our country,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
“I have directed my team to ensure that the Secret Service continues to have all the resources, capabilities and safeguards necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of the former president,” he added.
“I’m glad he’s safe,” Vice President Harris said on social media.
The shooting came just two months after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, wounding the former president in the ear.
The U.S. Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting presidents, former presidents and other dignitaries, faced criticism after the Pennsylvania incident.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid the ensuing investigation, and at least five Secret Service agents have been placed on administrative leave.