FBI opens investigation into ‘alleged assassination attempt’ against Donald Trump

The FBI announced Sunday that it is opening an investigation into “alleged assassination attempt targeting former President Trump”after shots were fired near the golf course where he was playing in Florida. His campaign team said the White House candidate is “safe and sound”.

The course at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach was immediately closed after the shooting, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. local time. “President Trump is safe after gunfire nearby. No additional details at this time.”simply indicated Steven Cheung, its communications director, in a press release broadcast on X. A suspect was arrested in neighboring Martin County, according to a Facebook post from the local sheriff.

An AK-47 was found at the scene

At a press conference Sunday afternoon, the Palm Beach County sheriff gave details of what happened. Secret Service agents were a few holes in front of the Republican candidate when they noticed the end of a gun barrel positioned through the fence, 250 to 450 meters away from the former president. They then opened fire.

The man fled the scene in an SUV and was later arrested in a neighboring county by local law enforcement. In the bush where the shooter was hiding, law enforcement found an AK-47 assault rifle, two backpacks and a Go-Pro camera. The FBI said Sunday it was investigating “s“in what appears to be an assassination attempt against former President Trump”it is indicated in a press release.

“I am safe”

Donald Trump last sent an email to his fundraising list, mentioning “gunshots in my neighborhood.” “But before the rumors get out of hand, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”the candidate wrote in the email seen by Reuters.

According to the Washington Postthe Secret Service has long been concerned about Donald Trump’s vulnerability on his golf courses, which remain open to the public and are often located near high-traffic areas.

In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said: “relieved” to know the Republican candidate “safe and sound”. The Democratic candidate condemned Sunday on X “violence” Who “has no place in America.”

On July 13, the former president was injured in the ear by gunfire that left one person dead and two others injured at a rally in Pennsylvania, in the northeast of the country. Images of the candidate, blood running down his face and his fist raised, went around the world.

This security fiasco led to the resignation of the head of the Secret Service and the compulsory leave of at least five agents from this unit responsible for protecting the highest-ranking American officials.