Donald Trump shooting suspect in custody; brought backpack, rifle, camera to Trump golf course: officials
Donald Trump shooting update: Full press conference
Former President Donald Trump is 'safe and unharmed' after a possible targeted assassination attempt Sunday at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, the FBI said. An alleged suspect has been taken into custody. An AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks, and a Go Pro camera were found at the scene. A Secret Service agent reportedly spotted a gun barrell through the fence and engaged with the suspect before that suspect ran away. He was arrested in nearby Martin County, Florida.
Former President Donald Trump and current Republican presidential nominee was the target of an "apparent assassination attempt" while golfing at his golf club in Florida on Sunday, the FBI said. Two months ago, Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
A possible suspect – identified as a man – was taken into custody in nearby Martin County, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said during a Sunday afternoon press conference. He was tracked after a witness at the golf course took photos of his vehicle and license plate, and it was picked up by a license plate reader.
He was pulled over on Interstate 95 in Martin County, which is on Florida's southeastern coast.
FOX News identified the alleged suspect, citing sources, as Ryan Wesley Routh.
Officials have not identified the suspect. Nor did they announce possible charges against him.
Officials: Alleged gunman was 300-500 yards away from Donald Trump
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FBI, and U.S. Secret Service held a press conference Sunday evening to provide more details on the incident.
Officials said a Secret Service agent was a few holes ahead of Trump on the golf course noticed the barrel of a gun poking through a fence – and engaged the suspect.
That agent then engaged with the suspect, who ran off. The agent fired at the suspect, though it's unclear if the suspect ever fired his gun, officials said.
However, officials said the gunman was a few holes ahead of where Trump was on the course and probably 300 to 500 yards away, the officials said.
What did the suspect bring to Donald Trump's golf course?
Officials said an AK-47-style rifle, two backpacks, and a Go Pro camera were found near the fence line of Trump International Golf Course in Florida.
Officials said they believe that the alleged gunman intended to record his actions.
Photos of the Ak-47-style rifle and two backpacks were found on the fence of Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach. Source: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Where is former President Donald Trump? ‘Safe and unharmed’
A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service said former President Donald Trump was "safe and unharmed" following Sunday's incident.
Timeline: What happened – and when?
Officials also laid out a timeline during the press conference:
- 1:30 p.m. - 911 call for shots fired near Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach
- 2:25 p.m. - Trump Campaign issues statement: "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity."
- 2:49 p.m. - Secret Service spokesperson puts out tweet about ‘protective incident’ and that Trump ‘is safe’
- 3:27 p.m. - Martin County Sheriff's Office reports alleged suspect detained.
- 5 p.m. - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FBI, U.S. Secret Service hold press conference