Donald Trump assassination attempt: 5 things you need to know

Former US president Donald Trump was reported safe after an assassination attempt while he was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday (Sep 15).

The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly pointed an AK-47-style rifle at Trump from about 400-500 yards away but was quickly stopped by Secret Service agents. Routh fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement.

Here are five things you need to know about the assassination attempt:

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Why was Trump targeted?

As of now, the motive behind theassassination attempt is not known.

Trump's visibility as a 2024 Republican presidential candidate has made him a high-profile target.

This was the second attempt on Trump's life in two months. Previously, the Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 US Elections was shot at in an alleged assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July13.

At the time, he narrowly escaped the attack as the bullet grazed his right ear. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, as per the FBI, saw the Trump rally as a "target of opportunity".

Who is the suspect?

The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh. While Routh attempted to flee the scene, he was captured in a neighbouring county.

According to reports, Routh, the would-be assassin, has a troubling criminal history. According to AP, he was previously convicted in 2002 for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, a charge linked to a stand-off with North Carolina police involving a fully automatic machine gun.

Authorities say that, on Sunday, Routh was positioned 400 to 500 yards away from Trump, hiding in shrubbery while aiming the weapon. Two backpacks and a GoPro camera were found at the scene, but the motive remains unclear.

How did the incident unfold?

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw revealed that Trump was playing on the course when Secret Service agents noticed Routh.

When people hide in the shrubbery, "they're pretty much out of sight," said Bradshaw. However, the agents spotted the barrel of the rifle peeking out.

The situation escalated quickly, with the Secret Service responding immediately.

What has Trump said?

Trump addressed the incident directly, reassuring supporters via email,"There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!"

His running mate, JD Vance and Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed that Trump was in "good spirits" after the event. Fox News host Sean Hannity, a close confidant, recounted a conversation with Trump's golfing partner, Steve Witkoff, who said Secret Service agents quickly shielded the former president and whisked him away in a reinforced golf cart.

In true Trump fashion, he later quipped that he regretted not finishing his round, as he "was even and had a birdie putt".

What did the White House say?

The White House has confirmed that US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harriswere being kept updated on the investigation. The two leaders extendedtheir message of relief that Trump had not been harmed.

In a statement on X,Biden said he was "relieved that the former president is unarmed".

"As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety," he added in a subsequent post.

Harris also said she was "glad he (Trump) is safe" and stated that "Violence has no place in America."

(With inputs from agencies)