The FBI revealed that Donald Trump was the subject of an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday in Florida, but both his campaign and law officials claimed he was uninjured and safe.
The US Secret Service verified that one or more of its agents “opened fire on a gunman” who was approaching Trump’s golf course’s edge. They also discovered a GoPro camera and a “AK-47 style rifle” with a scope.
The guy fled in a black sedan from the bushes he was hiding in during the altercation with the Secret Service. Police were able to locate the car with the assistance of a witness in identifying it.
“We currently have an individual under custody who may be a suspect,” stated Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a press conference.
“After an alleged assassination attempt, Trump is safe, and the suspect is in custody”
One round ahead of the former president, Bradshaw reported, the would-be gunman was observed in bushes at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, which is not far from his Mar-a-Lago property.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity,” a statement from his campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said. Kamala Harris, a Democratic contender for president, expressed satisfaction that her opponent was not in danger.
In a letter posted on his website to raise money, Trump declared, “Fear not! Nobody was harmed, and I’m all right. Thank heaven for it!
It looks that this unsettling episode is the second attempt on Trump’s life in as many months. While giving a speech at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, the former president suffered an ear injury.
Not sure if the shot was captured.
Officials speaking at the press conference on Sunday denied that the shooter had fired guns at the former president, but they did disclose that the Secret Service had fired shots.
Rafael Barros of the Secret Service stated, “We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents.”
“Investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities applauded the Secret Service’s prompt action. The organisation has been under fire since it seemed to fail to identify and apprehend a shooter who was attempting to shoot Trump in Pennsylvania.
When Secret Service agents in Trump’s security detail noticed “this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged that individual, at which time the individual took off,” according to Sheriff Bradshaw, the individuals fled.
Although the suspect was positioned between 300 and 500 yards (275 and 455 meters) away, in his estimation, “that’s not a long distance with a rifle and a scope like that.”
The possible suspect who was stopped and taken into custody by law police had “a relatively calm, flat affect,” according to Sheriff William Snyder of the nearby Martin County, who made this statement on CNN. He wasn’t showing many signs of emotion.
“Soothed”
Even though law enforcement was starting a thorough investigation, the shooter’s motivation remained a mystery as of Sunday afternoon.
Concerns about both candidates’ safety and increased tensions in the razor-thin presidential contest accompanied the event.
In a statement, President Joe Biden declared, “There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
“I have instructed my staff to keep making sure the Secret Service has all the tools, resources, and security measures required to guarantee the former president’s ongoing safety.”
On social media, Vice President Harris said, “I’m relieved he’s safe.”
Numerous people who support Trump and those close to him, such as his running mate J.D. Vance, expressed their appreciation and support for the averted catastrophe.
Vance expressed his gratitude that President Trump is safe on X. “I spoke with him prior to the news being made public, and he was remarkably upbeat.”
Since the incident in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service, which is entrusted with defending presidents, previous presidents, and other dignitaries, has come under fire.In the wake of the investigation, the agency’s chief, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned, and at least five agents were put on administrative leave.
The fourth-ranking Republican in the US House, Representative Elise Stefanik, praised law officials on Sunday for their efforts but expressed concerns about the most recent occurrence.
In a statement, she added, “We must ask ourselves how an assassin was allowed to get this close to President Trump again.”
“We anticipate a comprehensive explanation for the events that transpired in Florida today, as well as answers regarding the horrifying assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.”
Source: AFP
