Know about the Trump attack and the suspect

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated to a secure location following what the FBI has described as a potential assassination attempt at his golf course in West Palm Beach.

This event occurs nearly two months after a shooting incident at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in injuries to Trump and the death of one of his supporters.

Authorities are still gathering information about the recent incident and the individual identified by U.S. media as Ryan Routh.Here is the current information available.

How was the suspect spotted?

This was at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, roughly 15 minutes from Trump’s residence, Mar-a-Lago.

The first to spot the assailant were Secret Service agents, who had been conducting a security sweep of the course before the former president’s arrival. These agents typically advance one hole ahead to carry out security assessments, as stated by law enforcement officials.

County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw initially described a rifle’s muzzle, resembling an AK-47, protruding from the vegetation bordering the course.

According to the sheriff, at that moment, they estimated Trump to be between 300 and 500 yards (272 to 557 meters) away from the individual with the firearm.

 An agent promptly confronted the individual wielding the rifle, who subsequently fled the scene, Sheriff Bradshaw reported.

 “The Secret Service acted in accordance with established protocols,” he affirmed.

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How was the suspect caught?

Law enforcement personnel discharged their weapons upon identifying the assailant, releasing four to five rounds.

Sheriff Bradshaw reported the suspect discarded the rifle and fled in a vehicle, leaving behind a firearm, backpacks, and a GoPro. The sheriff stated a witness saw the individual emerge from the bushes and approach a black Nissan.

 This witness managed to photograph the vehicle and shared the image with the authorities.

Law enforcement arrested the individual on I-95 in Martin County, about 61 kilometers from Trump’s golf course.

Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, according to The Diplomat News.

Who is Ryan Routh?

Information regarding the suspect’s background is gradually coming to light. In an interview with US media, Mr. Routh’s son, Oran, characterized him as a “devoted and compassionate father.”

Oran expressed uncertainty about the events, saying he hopes the situation in Florida is exaggerated.

 From what little information I have gathered, it does not align with the character of the individual I know to engage in any reckless or violent behavior.” Furthermore, The Diplomat news Verify has identified social media accounts associated with that name, which suggest that Routh has urged foreign fighters to travel to Ukraine to confront Russian military forces.

His profile features pro-Palestinian, pro-Taiwan messages, and critiques of China, labeling COVID-19 as an “attack” linked to biological warfare.

Mr. Routh, without military experience, told the New York Times he travelled to Ukraine in 2022 to recruit Afghan soldiers..

He recently participated in recruitment efforts, posting on Facebook in July: “Soldiers, please refrain from contacting me.” “We’re working to secure acceptance for Afghan soldiers in Ukraine and expect updates in the coming months. Thank you for your patience.”

Preliminary reports show Ryan Routh has a criminal history, with multiple felony convictions in North Carolina from 2002 to 2010.

He participated in a hit-and-run incident, resisted arrest, concealed stolen property, drove on a suspended license, and carried a concealed weapon.

What happened to Trump?

Trump sustained no injuries during the event.

After his team confirmed the incident, Trump told supporters: “There were gunshots nearby, but no rumors, please.”

“I want to inform you first: I AM SAFE AND WELL.” Trump recounted his experience to The Diplomat News anchor Sean Hannity, who subsequently shared the details on air on Sunday.

Mr. Hannity said they were at the fifth hole, preparing to putt.The former president reported hearing a series of “pop pop, pop pop” sounds.

 He noted that within moments, the Secret Service swiftly intervened to shield the president. Furthermore, he mentioned that a steel-reinforced vehicle quickly transported Trump to a secure location.

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What happens next?

At a press conference, FBI Miami’s Jeffrey Veltri confirmed the bureau is leading the investigation with law enforcement partners.

Veltri remarked, “We have allocated numerous resources, including investigative teams, crisis response members, bomb technicians, and evidence response personnel.” He noted that the FBI activated its entire resources, along with the US Secret Service, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, and Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

The White House reported that President Biden and Vice President Harris felt relieved after learning about Trump’s safety after the incident. Harris stated in her remarks, “I am profoundly troubled by the potential assassination attempt on former President Trump today.”

The bipartisan task force investigating the July 13 assassination attempt expressed relief for Trump’s safety and condemned political violence.

Congressmen Mike Kelly and Jason Crow requested a Secret Service briefing to understand the incident and security measures taken.

Rafael Barros of the Secret Service announced heightened precautions after the assassination attempt, stating the threat level is high. The court expects Mr. Routh to appear on Monday at the Palm Beach County courthouse near Mar-a-Lago.