Man detained with rifle near Trump golf course, officials say
16 September 2024 08:01
The police in Florida have detained a man who allegedly planned to attack former President Donald Trump. The potential assailant hid in the bushes near the golf course where the Republican candidate was playing.
During a press conference, Ric Bradshaw, sheriff of West Palm Beach—where Trump's golf club is located—announced that around 1:30 PM local time, Secret Service agents noticed a man hiding with an AK-47 rifle in the bushes under the club's fence. The man was positioned approximately 330-550 yards from Trump and had an optical sight. According to Bradshaw, considering the sight, this was not a long distance.
The president's protection team fired 5-6 missed shots in his direction, after which the man fled, leaving the weapon in the bushes and departing in a black Nissan. Shortly afterward, the Nissan driver was detained in a neighbouring county. In addition to the scoped rifle, he was equipped with ceramic plates and a GoPro camera.
The man, whose identity has not been revealed, is currently awaiting charges. According to CNN, he is over 50 years old.
According to Bradshaw, the Secret Service managed to notice the hiding man because when Trump plays golf, they always check the next two holes ahead of him. It was exactly there where the would-be assailant was located, with the barrel of his rifle sticking out from behind the fence.
Even before officially announcing information about the potential attacker, Trump's team sent emails to supporters assuring them that the former president was unharmed.
Biden and Harris react to reports about the would-be assailant
- I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today - said President Joe Biden in a statement regarding the thwarted attack on his former rival.
Vice President Kamala Harris, a rival of Trump, also addressed the matter.
"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." - she wrote in a post on the platform X.
