“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement that did not provide additional details.
A person has been detained in connection with the incident at Trump International Golf Club, according to a law enforcement source. Multiple sources said Secret Service fired at the suspect. Officials believe an armed individual intended to target Trump, according to sources briefed on the matter.
The former president was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The course was immediately locked down, according to a source familiar. A long gun has been recovered, according to the law enforcement source.
“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,” Harris wrote on the social media platform X.
Biden and Harris, both of whom are in Washington, DC, with no public events Sunday, will be kept updated by their team.
Incident Timeline
The incident unfolded quickly and was met with a swift response from law enforcement. Here's what we know so far about the timeline:
- Shortly before 2 p.m. ET: Gunshots were fired near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Immediately: The Secret Service rushed Trump to safety and locked down the golf course.
- Shortly after 2 p.m. ET: A suspect was taken into custody near the golf course.
- Later in the afternoon: Law enforcement officials confirmed that a long gun was recovered at the scene.
Suspect in Custody
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect, but they have confirmed that the suspect is in custody and is cooperating with investigators. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but multiple sources have said that officials believe the suspect intended to target Trump.
Secret Service Response
The Secret Service has been heavily criticized for its handling of the incident, but agency officials have defended their actions.
“The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
“The Secret Service takes any potential threat against the President or other protectees very seriously. We are committed to protecting the President and other protectees from any and all threats, and we will continue to do so in the future,” the agency added.
Trump's Reaction
Trump has not yet released a statement about the incident, but he is reportedly “safe” and in “good spirits.”
Political Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many political figures weighing in on the incident.
President Biden: The White House released a statement saying that the President and Vice President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team.
Vice President Harris: Harris wrote on the social media platform X, “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.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): Graham said in a post on X that he had spoken with Trump, who he said is “in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country.”
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the motive for the attack and gather evidence.
Trump's Security Concerns
This incident is the latest in a string of security concerns surrounding Trump. In July, a man was shot and killed after he tried to enter Trump's home in New Jersey. In 2017, a man was arrested for attempting to assassinate Trump.
Conclusion
This latest incident is a reminder of the security risks that Trump faces. The incident has also raised questions about the Secret Service's ability to protect the former president.
The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
