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.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
Ryan Routh, 58, has been charged with possession of a firearm while a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He appeared in federal court Monday morning in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred on Sunday at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
I was just briefed by the Acting Director of the Secret Service. I applaud the Secret Service for their quick response to ensure former President Trump’s safety.
There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the…
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 15, 2024
A Secret Service agent reported a suspect within 500 yards of Trump, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. The suspect later fled in a car. No shots were fired by the person.
Like other Americans, I’m glad former President Trump is safe, & grateful for law enforcement professionals’ swift & effective action. Political violence is unacceptable—it has no place in America. https://t.co/xUnXTKp9L1
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) September 16, 2024
The Secret Service has admitted it failed to search the perimeter of the golf course, where Routh allegedly lurked for nearly 12 hours before being spotted. This has raised questions about the agency’s funding and operational protocols.
Suspect arrested near Trump’s golf course
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. acknowledged that Trump’s visit to the golf course was not on his official schedule, which may have impacted the agents’ ability to sweep the course for security risks. Kim Mungo, Routh’s former neighbor in Greensboro, North Carolina, described him and his family as “weird.” She recounted that Routh had a live horse in his living room and possessed guns.
Routh’s arrest record in Guilford County dates back to the 1980s, with charges including writing bad checks, felony firearm possession, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of a binary explosive in 2002. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional charges could be brought against Routh. His public defender has not responded to requests for comment.
Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance blamed liberal rhetoric for the apparent assassination attempt on Trump, saying, “The big difference between conservatives and liberals is that no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump in the last couple of months.”
President Biden and Vice President Harris both expressed relief that Trump was safe following the incident. The White House called a post by Elon Musk questioning why Trump has faced assassination attempts while Biden and Harris have not “irresponsible,” stating that violence should never be encouraged or joked about. The Secret Service has appealed to Congress for additional funding to meet increasing mission requirements, particularly in light of the upcoming November election and the need to ensure Trump’s safety.
