
An assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was thwarted on September 15, 2024, at Trump International Golf Club. Ryan Routh, 58, from Hawaii, was apprehended after trying to approach President Trump with an AK-47 rifle and a GoPro camera.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that Routh was located between 300 and 500 yards from President Trump when Secret Service agents intervened. Routh had intended to film the attack, but the Secret Service’s prompt action prevented any harm. It remains unclear if Routh fired his weapon during the incident.
Bradshaw criticized the golf course’s security, pointing out that President Trump’s status as a candidate rather than a sitting president led to less stringent protection. “If Trump were the sitting president, the entire golf course would have been surrounded,” Bradshaw said.
In response, President Trump reassured his supporters with a statement: “I am SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Routh’s political donations show his support for Democratic candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) in recent years.
President Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), also commented, expressing relief at Trump’s safety. This incident follows a similar assassination attempt in July, highlighting ongoing risks to President Trump.
The FBI is investigating the attack. Increased security measures are expected at future events involving President Trump, and the public is advised to avoid the golf course area while the investigation continues.