Former President Trump Safe After Gunshots Fired at Golf Club

Former President Donald Trump is reported safe following an incident at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where gunshots were fired in his vicinity.

The shots, which were later confirmed to have been fired by Secret Service agents, were directed at an individual carrying an AK-47.

FBI has described this as an apparent assassination attempt. At the time, Trump was on the fifth hole of the golf course, and Secret Service agents quickly moved him to safety.

Steven Cheung, spokesperson for the Trump Campaign, issued a statement saying, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time.”          

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., reacted by referencing a previous assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. He commented, “Again folks!” and noted, “SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida,” adding that local law enforcement found an AK-47 in the bushes.

President Joe Biden also addressed the situation, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. He praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their prompt response and emphasized the need to combat political violence. Biden assured that his administration will continue to provide the Secret Service with necessary resources to ensure Trump’s safety.

Just spoke with President Trump. 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. https://t.co/9CWaeFrOpX

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 15, 2024

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who spoke with Trump following the incident, expressed admiration for Trump’s resilience and determination, stating, “He is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. He’s in good spirits and more resolved than ever to save our country.”

The White House confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed about the incident and are relieved that Trump is safe. They will receive regular updates on the situation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who recently spent time with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, thanked God for Trump’s safety and praised his strength and resilience amid ongoing attacks.

Rep. Anna Paulina, R-Fla., criticised the “radical left” for its rhetoric, which she claimed incites violence. She urged against succumbing to intimidation and violence and emphasised the importance of standing firm in the upcoming elections.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., also expressed gratitude for Trump’s safety and thanked law enforcement for their brave response.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the Secret Service’s quick action and condemned all forms of political violence. He called for the perpetrator to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., echoed Schumer’s condemnation of political violence, stressing that such actions have no place in a democratic society.

The Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, led by Chairman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and ranking member Jason Crow, D-Colo., issued a joint statement expressing concern over the incident and announcing plans to seek a briefing from the Secret Service. They condemned political violence in all its forms and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., expressed gratitude for Trump’s safety and called for a clear explanation of how the assassin was able to get close to Trump. She emphasised the need for unity and support for Trump in the upcoming election.

New York Attorney General Letitia James also weighed in, stating that political violence in any form cannot be accepted or normalised in the country.