The FBI announced on Sunday that it is investigating an apparent attempted assassination of former President Trump. The Trump campaign confirmed earlier in the day that Trump is “safe following gunshots in his vicinity.”
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung issued a statement saying, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time.” A person has been detained in connection with the incident at Trump International Golf Club, according to law enforcement sources.
Multiple reports indicate that the Secret Service engaged the suspect, who allegedly aimed to target Trump. A long gun has been recovered at the scene as part of the investigation.
This incident follows an attempted assassination at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two months prior, raising questions about the security provided by the Secret Service. In a fundraising email sent Sunday afternoon, Trump addressed the situation: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”
At the time of the incident, Trump was golfing with donor Steve Witkoff, moving between holes five and six. Sources state that the suspect engaged by the Secret Service was several holes away from the former president.
The Secret Service utilized social media platform X to report that they are coordinating with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on the investigation, noting that the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the security incident and expressed relief at Trump’s safety. Harris commented on X, stating, “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
Biden and Harris are currently in Washington, D.C., without any public events planned for Sunday, but will be kept updated on the situation. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been briefed, as confirmed by Department of Justice spokesperson Dena Iverson.
According to South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who spoke with Trump on Sunday, the former president is in “good spirits.” Graham wrote on X, “He is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. He’s in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country.”
