An investigation has commenced following a dramatic incident in West Palm Beach where authorities thwarted a potential attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The incident occurred on Sunday at a golf course where Trump was playing, just seven weeks before the critical election day.
The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after allegedly positioning himself with an assault-style rifle at the perimeter of the golf course. The US Secret Service, responsible for Trump’s security, spotted Routh and responded with gunfire, though it remains unconfirmed whether Routh fired his weapon.
Routh was scheduled to appear in court on Monday, according to local media reports. Despite being grazed by a bullet during a rally attack in Pennsylvania two months ago, Trump was unharmed in this latest incident.
CNN reported that the acting head of the Secret Service was set to visit the scene and confer with Trump regarding the incident. In response, outgoing President Joe Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and emphasized the need for increased support for the Secret Service, urging Congress to address their requirements.
The Secret Service has faced criticism following a previous attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a Trump supporter was killed, and the assailant was subsequently shot by law enforcement. While Trump’s security detail is substantial, it is less extensive than that of a sitting president, which allowed Routh to get within a few hundred yards of Trump before being intercepted.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County defended the Secret Service, stating they acted appropriately under the circumstances. Routh, who has a history of criminal activity and an interest in the Ukrainian cause, was known for his involvement in media interviews related to Ukraine. However, there is no evidence he fought in Ukraine or joined its military.
The attack on Trump has been condemned by both Kamala Harris and President Biden, with Biden asserting that there is no place for political or any form of violence in the country. As the campaign intensifies, concerns grow over potential unrest, with some fearing a repeat of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot if Trump disputes the election outcome.
In the wake of the incident, Trump leveraged the event for campaign fundraising, urging supporters to “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!!” and “Donate Today!” On social media, Trump’s controversial comments about pop star Taylor Swift, who publicly supported Harris, and his association with far-right figure Laura Loomer have also stirred public debate.
As Trump and Harris head into the final weeks of the campaign, with polls showing a tight race, the recent attack adds to the mounting tension and volatility surrounding this year’s election.
