Former President Donald Trump has issued a statement after shots were fired in the vicinity of his West Palm Beach golf course on Sunday. A number of outlets have reported that Trump was indeed the target of another assassination attempt, prompting Secret Service to return fire with a would-be shooter.
“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!” the former president announced. “Nothing will slow me down. I WILL NEVER SURRENDER!”
The statement continued, “I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again!”
(FREE RED HAT: “Impeached. Arrested. Convicted. Shot. Still Standing”)
Shortly before 3 p.m. Eastern Time, the Trump Campaign released a statement explaining that the former president was safe following reports of gunshots in his vicinity. The former president was golfing in West Palm Beach, not far from his Mar-A-Lago estate, at the time of the shooting.
While initial reports suggested that the shooting consisted of two gunmen shooting at each other, CNN’s John Miller reported that preliminary reports suggest otherwise, according to sources familiar with the initial investigation.
“So this is what we have right now from law enforcement sources who have been briefed on this, and it appears that around 2 o’clock, shots were fired at the golf course, possibly coming from the tree line while former President Trump was playing golf. The Secret Service identified the direction and the shooter returned fire at that gunman who fled,” Miller reported.
Authorities reportedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, a backpack, and a GoPro camera from the scene.
Eyewitnesses were able to obtain a description of the suspect, as well as the suspect’s vehicle, before he fled. Marc Caputo, a reporter for The Bulwark, reported that the suspect was detained in nearby Martin County shortly after crossing the line with Palm Beach County. “He’s in custody & his black vehicle is impounded,” Caputo reported.
“He crossed into the wrong county. My guys were waiting for him. They had the BOLO from PBSO.,” Martin County Sheriff Will Snyder told Caputo. “He said he has no other info he can disclose and they’re awaiting FBI & Secret Service to take the suspect into custody & search the vehicle,” the reporter added.
In re possible Trump golf course shooter: suspect was stopped in Martin County after he crossed the Palm Beach County line around mile marker 110-112 on I95. He’s in custody & his black vehicle is impounded
“He crossed into the wrong county. My guys were waiting for him. They… https://t.co/yoBb4oyCj5
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) September 15, 2024
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that a Secret Service agent fired at the suspect when he noticed what appeared to be a gun.
This is a developing story.
The West Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is expected to soon share additional details in a press conference.
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